Lobbyists In Georgia Push For Expanded Gambling

Gambling News - January 12th, 2010 - Written By Glen

In the state of Georgia, several groups yearning for legalized betting on horse racing events. The 2010 legislative session is beginning, giving lobbyists a chance to push forth the expanded gambling options.

It has been estimated that enough revenue could be generated from four horse tracks to cover the current budget deficit. Tax revenues are down, according to a report by the Augusta Chronicle, $2 billion dollars from two years previous.

One group of investors has already raised $20 million dollars for construction costs, which would include a training facility, as well as the track it self, south of Atlanta. Lisa Amey, the representative to this group of investors, stated, "Educators think it's wonderful."

One supporter, Arthur Anderson, is aiming to have taxes from the race tracks directed toward education.

Roughly 600 jobs could be created, at an estimate, between the track and a near by hotel. This represents one of the tracks that would be created, though other locations could also be viable for supporting the tracks.

Though the expansion of any form of gambling is a difficult task, the diverse field of horse racing and pari-mutuel gambling is one that is particularly difficult, especially when the decision surrounding the inclusion of this form of gambling could affect the way of life of every resident of Georgia. Funding education through gambling revenue has become a highly common way in which state governments are filling the school board's coffers, though many have criticized the stability of such funding.

With many other issues will undoubtedly go through the General Assembly, it may be difficult for the concept of horse race betting to move forward. Georgia is another state in a long line of many that have been pushing for a form of gambling expansion. Online Gambling sites, such as racebooks, will still accept Georgia residents for the time being.