Georgia voters may soon decide whether to allow casinos to set up shop in Georgia, with some of the proceeds going to the Hope Scholarship and pre-kindergarten programs.
 
Supporters of casinos and para-mutual betting say there’s momentum now to put the issue to Georgia voters.
 
Channel 2’s Lori Geary sat in on the hearing Monday where lawmakers discussed a bill that would allow a limited number of casinos across the state if voters approve.
 
It was standing room only at the hearing as lottery executives testified next year will be another record-breaking year.
 
They say more than $1 billion in lottery revenue will be put out for the Hope and Pre-K programs. 
 
“Profits have been good, percentages have been good but at the end of the day, it’s not keeping up with demand,” said Chip Lake, who is part of a coalition called the Committee to Preserve Hope Scholarships. 
 
It includes big name gaming resorts, including MGM. 
 
The casino bill would allow a half-dozen casinos across the state.
 
“It is a limited bill that allows for destination casinos around the state so you will not see a replication of Atlantic City here,” Lake told Geary.
 
Professor John Kindt traveled from the University of Illinois to express his opposition to the bill. 
 
“It’s lose-lose for Georgia and I hope Georgia learns from Illinois, New Jersey and all the other states which have had blight on their economy,” Kindt told Geary.
 
Kindt, who has researched the issue for years, said casinos bring more crime, create new addicts and don’t produce the kinds of profits projected. 
 
In order to get the issue on the statewide ballot, Georgia lawmakers in both the House and Senate must approve it by a two-thirds majority vote.
 
If it’s approved, voters in each region would then decide if they want a casino in their area.