House committee backs casino gambling in Georgia

The Regulated Industries Committee has unanimously approved a bill and accompanying constitutional amendment that would allow up to four casinos around the state

The constitutional amendment, House Resolution 807, would ask voters in a statewide ballot this fall whether they allow casinos in the state. If it’s approved, voters in each region would then decide if they want a casino in their area.

Meanwhile, under a new version of the House Bill 677, casinos’ state tax rate increased to 20% from the original 12% proposal. At least 90% of the tax would go toward education, including the HOPE Scholarships program.

The number of the casinos has also been reduced from six casino resorts to four, which a primary and secondary to be located in the metro region and the two in other parts of Georgia.