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

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google 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. Hutchison said the basic footprint has not changed much over time. “Well, the renderings you saw represent about a billion dollars in investments in bolstering the area,” Hutchison said. He estimated the project could create 4,000 to 5,000 jobs during construction and about 2,500 ongoing jobs. The figures are the speedway’s projections; the proposal has not been approved. Hutchison said the new leadership could give the issue another chance to gain traction. He did not offer a firm construction timeline, saying legalization and licensing would have to come first. The American Gaming Association, a gambling industry trade group, said in 2022 that commercial or tribal casino gaming was legal in 42 states. The prospect of new revenue has long faced opposition from religious advocates and others concerned about gambling-related harm. At a 2025 gaming study committee hearing, Baptist lobbyist Mike Griffin warned lawmakers about addiction and other social costs. Atlanta News First reported on the hearing , where EchoPark Speedway president Ed Clark also outlined the hope for a destination casino resort near the track. “I do not believe that God will hold us as citizens guiltless if we have more of this happen in the state of Georgia,” Griffin said at the hearing. Emory business school marketing professor Mike Lewis said he believes gambling expansion is likely but that lawmakers will need to consider safeguards. He described potential benefits to sports and entertainment alongside financial risks for some people. “It’s going to build fandom, it’s going to build connections with the community, but it’s also going to put some people on the margins at risk,” White said. The Georgia Constitution requires a proposed amendment to pass each legislative chamber by a two-thirds vote before it goes to voters. Ryan Butler, a senior editor at Covers who follows gambling policy nationwide, said new leadership could improve the proposal’s chances, but that a measure reaching the ballot remains uncertain. He said 2028 is a possible timeline, not a guarantee. Butler said lawmakers would have to consider whether to address casinos and sports betting together or separately. Questions about casino locations, licensing, local support, and protections against gambling harm would also remain. Georgia lawmakers are expected to return to the Capitol in January. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.