By Tim Anderson
FITZGERALD, Ga. | They’re trying again. Georgia lawmakers have set up a committee to study gambling in Georgia. Committee on Gambling in the State of Georgia is out among us, as they say. They are seeking input from Georgia citizens on casinos, horse racing, online sports betting and pari-mutuel betting—in other words, the shotgun approach to betting to see what will stick with voters.
There is like a majority move among legislators to put the issue out there, probably through a Constitutional amendment that will allow it all. Then the legislature will decide which specific forms of betting will be allowed. It’s a fact that betting is already among us, if it isn’t legal. Online sports betting has blossomed in recent years, and it’s hard to stop. The decision will be to allow it and let the State take a cut, too.
There is an estimated $2 billion on the table in Georgia for potential revenue. We think that is grossly underrated. One decision is to decide how that revenue can be targeted to attract the most voters. Gov Zell Miller sold the Lottery in the early 1990s by promising revenue would go to the Hope Scholarships and kindergarten programs. One bill is designating healthcare. If the money could go to support rural hospitals, it might gain some momentum.
When gambling increases, crime goes up, bankruptcies go up, and addiction goes up. Jobs go down, savings go down, and spending on necessities goes down.
Current legislation promises six casinos statewide. Casino lobbying interests will be spending tons of money and telling their usual lies. Jobs and prosperity for all. But the truth is that statewide gambling efforts will damage our social fabric. Maybe irreparably. Don’t allow yourselves to believe differently.
Special interests stand to make millions if gambling is made legal. Our Gov. Brian Kemp has done just fine bringing jobs and prosperity to our state. Jobs that create without destroying. We prefer his way much better.
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