It's quite the preemptive strike. Supporters are preparing a new push next year to legalize casino gambling in Georgia. Arguments over morality could again dominate. But one of the most outspoken advocates of high-end gaming wants critics to put up or shut up.
State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, sent over a text of a proposed constitutional amendment (at right) that would prohibit the state lottery and "all forms of betting, bingo, raffles and gambling."
In short, the measure would not only end the lottery-funded HOPE scholarship, but also church bingo games and charity raffle sales.
"I just wrote the bill for them to save them time and in this election year, let's see who becomes the author," said Stephens.
Consider it his attempt to reduce the number of fence-sitters in next year's debate.
A new and much-covered analysis released last week asserts that Georgia's popular HOPE scholarship could run short of cash when today's pre-K students are in college - and it's also just the kind of analysis casino supporters will use to lay the groundwork for another round of gambling legislation next year.
An army of lobbyists – about three dozen of them – was deployed this legislation session to push for a gambling expansion in Georgia, including 16 by MGM Resorts International, which had already begun scouting sites to build a $1 billion gambling resort downtown.
A constitutional amendment to allow up to four casinos – two in metro Atlanta – failed to gain traction in this year's legislative session amid opposition from Gov. Nathan Deal and House Speaker David Ralston.
About the Author
