Could Georgia get casinos? Bottoms’ win reignites a years-long fight

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms wants Georgians to decide whether to legalize casinos, renewing a years-long debate over potential education funding, jobs and the toll gambling could take on families.Before a casino could open, a constitutional amendment would have to win support from two-thirds of both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly and then be approved by voters. Lawmakers would also have to determine how casinos would be regulated and licensed.Bottoms’ campaign education plan assumes casinos could generate $300 million to $500 million a year for the state, with some revenue supporting universal pre-K and early learning. The campaign proposed access to pre-K for 4-year-olds and required full-day kindergarten. Bottoms also wants to address college affordability. At EchoPark Speedway in Henry County, general manager Brandon Hutchison said the facility still hopes to develop a casino-centered resort with attractions, retail and housing.