Willing to shell out big bucks trying to legalize casinos in Georgia? Then be willing to admit just how much money you've spent, according to a state senator.
Lobbyists or anyone spending money for the purpose of influencing state lawmakers toward a vote legalizing casino gambling in Georgia would have to disclose it — regardless of amount or value — under a bill expected to be filed Tuesday by state Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta.
“Declare every red cent, not just contributions to lawmakers,” said Fort, who said he’s noticed a cadre of casino lobbyists at the Capitol have begun sponsoring community dinners and possibly other local benefits he worries the public can’t see. “Any penny they donate or they use in furtherance of bring casino gambling to Georgia, even if they give money to an organization for sponsorship of a dinner or band uniforms. Because they’re not doing it just out of the goodness of their hearts.”
More than 24 lobbyists have registered at state Capitol as casino or gambling representatives — at least 17 of them represent MGM Resorts International alone.
While they face at least a two-year battle to pass legislation finalizing the effort, the potential benefits of expanding gambling in Georgia would be huge for the industry. Current proposals call for up to six "destination" casino resort licenses that would be allowed across five geographic zones in Georgia: Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and South Georgia. At least one of the casinos would be allowed in downtown Atlanta, and would be worth at least a $1 billion private investment.
Bringing casinos to Georgia is a popular idea: 62 percent of registered voters favor legalization of casino gambling in Georgia to support the state's HOPE scholarship and other education programs, according to an exclusive new poll from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
