Political Insider
Political Insider

Nathan Deal on casino plan passing in '16: 'Don't bet on it.'

The expansion at Harrah’s Cherokee created a total of 150,000 square feet, including 4,000 slots. Credit: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. HANDOUT PHOTO - NOT FOR RESALE AJC file

Credit: Jim Galloway

Credit: Jim Galloway

The expansion at Harrah’s Cherokee created a total of 150,000 square feet, including 4,000 slots. Credit: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. HANDOUT PHOTO - NOT FOR RESALE AJC file
By
Oct 9, 2015

The road to legalizing gambling in Georgia may have just gotten a lot bumpier.

Gov. Nathan Deal told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution he would urge lawmakers to vote against a constitutional amendment next year that would allow casino gambling in Georgia, his most strident opposition yet to the contentious proposal.

And he challenged MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands Corp. and other casino firms that have set their sights on Georgia to promise to set aside more funds for the HOPE scholarship and other lottery-funded programs in order to earn his support.

As for the chances of the legislation passing next year without those changes, Deal said: “Don’t bet on it getting on the ballot.”

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About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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