(Picture Of Hard Rock Hotel, minus casino, Slated for Atlanta)
CREDIT: Hard Rock International
Bringing a casino and allowing gambling in Georgia has been a highly debated topic for years. Atlanta is one of the largest metropolitan areas in America that does not have some form of Las Vegas-style gaming.
Proponents point to the new jobs that would be created, increased tourism and a much needed funding/expansion for the state’s HOPE scholarship. Those against it point to the possible negative effect gambling can cause (addiction, bankruptcy, crime).
Lawmakers have introduced a new compromise to allow casinos in the state and it will now move forward into legislation for debate in both chambers.
According to the AJC, this new legislation would allow for two casinos to be built in the state. One would be in Atlanta and the other would either be in Augusta, Columbus or Savannah. The bill also suggests that casinos be taxed at a 20% rate (industry preferred rate is 12%) with 70% of gaming proceeds going to the HOPE scholarship.
Georgia remains an untapped destination that gaming companies still seem VERY interested in. What are your thoughts about gambling and casinos being in Georgia? Leave us a comment below!
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