Horse racing proposal advancing

A proposal that bets Georgians will approve horse racing in exchange for money for HOPE scholarships, pre-K programs and trauma care centers has entered the starting gate.

House Resolution 186, which would let local communities vote on whether to allow parimutuel gambling, has made it to the powerful Rules Committee, which sets the calendar for votes.

A companion bill that would create a state racing commission, House Bill 467, recently garnered more than 30 co-sponsors and is in committee review.

“It’s a few years off, but planning ahead, it’s dollars that are needed,” said Rep. Harry Geisinger, the Roswell Republican pushing both measures.

Opponents have argued against extending gambling and the social risks that come with it in defeating similar proposals for years.

The effort needs a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and ballot approval by voters both statewide and in individual communities for tracks to set up.

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April Hunt

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