Two Delaware officials on Monday lauded the idea of gaming machines for Georgia, saying the machines had raised significant revenue for their state over the past 15 years and could do the same here.
Richard C. Cathcart, the city manager of Delaware City and a former state legislator, and Dover City Councilman James L. Hutchison testified before a joint economic development committee of the Georgia Legislature.
Cathcart said since 1996, video lottery terminals in Delaware have generated $8 billion in revenue, with nearly $3 billion of that money going to the state. Hutchison, who is also Dover's former police chief and mayor, said concerns he had about crime proved to be unfounded.
Georgia lawmakers over the past few years have considered the idea of allowing similar terminals in the state, with proceeds to benefit popular programs such as the HOPE scholarship. Gov. Nathan Deal, however, strongly opposes the idea, and it is not clear the proposal will gain traction during the 40-day legislative session.
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