6/17 US Casino News : Georgia Attorney General Seeking Gambling Expansion

Georgia Attorney General Seeking Gambling Expansion

Around the US, there are many issues that are defining political races for the upcoming election in November. The issue, however, that is creating the most controversy is gambling. With many states expanding their gambling options in recent years, it if forcing other states to keep up.

In Georgia, Attorney general and Gubernatorial candidate Thurbert Baker is among those who believe that expanded gambling would be good for the state. Baker would like to see electronic bingo pay for the state's education system.

Georgia is one of the states where the education budget is facing severe deficits. Baker believes that gambling dollars could go a long way in changing the future of many students in the Georgia school system. Baker estimates that over two billion dollars could be raised for education in a decade.

"To those who say it can't be done, that is what they said about the lottery and the HOPE scholarship," said Baker, while speaking at a news conference at the state Capitol on Wednesday. Baker is currently not the leader in the polls to win the governor job, and his opponents have differing views on expanded gambling.

Although Baker unveiled his plan this week, he will have to move quickly to get his word out to voters. The primary in Georgia is set for July 20th, leaving just over a month for Baker to convince Georgia residents that the gambling revenue is needed.

Roy Barnes is currently the favorite to win the primary, and he is being sure not to draw lines in the sand this late in the race. Barnes claims that he would be in favor of the electronic bingo gambling if the voters approved the idea and it would bring revenue into the education system.

Georgia must move quickly if they are going to keep up with neighboring Florida. Lawmakers in Florida have recently approved a gambling compact with the Seminole Indians that will allow blackjack and baccarat to be played at Seminole casinos. Las Vegas executives have also been in Tallahassee to lobby for full scale casino resorts in South Florida.