Push to Allow Casinos in Georgia Draws Support of Henry County Leader

Henry County Chair Carlotta Harrell speaks before the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee on February 22, 2024 (Henry County photo).
Henry County Chair Carlotta Harrell speaks before the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee on February 22, 2024. (Henry County photo)

Henry County Chair Carlotta Harrell was the latest this week to voice her support for casinos in Georgia. The topic advanced out of senate committee on Thursday, February 22, but it remains to be seen whether the full senate will consider the bill.

The Georgia lawmakers remain at work under the Gold Dome. This upcoming week is a pivotal deadline known as Crossover Day. This day, set on February 29 for this year, is the deadline for bills to pass their chamber of origin. The two chambers — house and senate — consider bills from the other chamber during the remaining weeks of session. The annual session concludes at the end of March.

Casinos in Georgia

Senate Resolution 538 would allow sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia. To achieve this, the measure would require a statewide voter referendum in November. Before the voters can weigh-in, at least two-thirds of state lawmakers must back the proposal.

If the state legislature passes the bill, then SR 538 includes the following:

  • There could be five casinos in Georgia. The state would consider applications to issue casino licenses no later than August 2026.
  • The tax revenue from casinos would go to the following uses: 50% transportation projects, 20% pre-kindergarten and child-care programs, then 10% each to mental health and gambling addiction programs, rural health care and Georgia’s HBCUs.

The resolution would also allow for online sports betting. Georgia does not presently allow such use.

SR 538 passed the senate economic development & tourism committee on Thursday. It’s now eligible for the senate rules committee to consider placing it on the calendar for a vote in the senate. If two-thirds of the senate approve it, then the bill would go to the house for consideration.

The push for casinos within the peach state dates back years. Many may recall a proposal from 2019 for a casino at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton. Although the speedway remains committed to this idea, state lawmakers haven’t been so quick to embrace it. None of the various attempts over the years to allow casinos have passed at the Georgia Capitol.

Chair Harrell Voices Support for Casinos

Henry County Chair Harrell spoke in support of Senate Resolution 538 before the senate committee on economic development & tourism. She said the measure would be a significant and positive economic impact to Henry County, its businesses and moreover, the entire state.

“Henry County is the fastest-growing county in the state and is proudly home to the Atlanta Motor Speedway. With a population of over 250,000 residents, long-term economic sustainment is a critical topic for our county,” explained Harrell.

She went on to detail the possible economic impact through jobs and tourism that the measure could generate if legalized. “In total, our surrounding states have an economic impact of more than $19 billion resulting from this industry. Approval of this legislation from both the General Assembly and the citizens of Georgia would significantly boost the number of visitors to the region, thus benefiting local business owners and industries across the region,” said Harrell.

Local officials from Columbus and Liberty County, on the Georgia coast, also spoke in support of the measure. Each of the three communities have been mentioned as possible sites for casinos within the state.

Featured image shows Henry County Chair Harrell before the senate committee on February 22, 2024. Henry County photo. Portions of this article, underneath the ”Chair Harrell” section, copied from the Henry County press release.

About Clayton 1739 Articles
Clayton Carte is the founder and owner of The Henry Reporter. He founded the site in 2017 to highlight transportation projects. Over time, he began covering other topics like new development so residents can best know what’s happening in our community.

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