The start of Georgia’s legislative session is weeks away, but supporters and opponents of a proposal to allow casinos throughout the state are already battling for lawmakers’ attention.
A study committee met three times this fall to hear testimony about the issue. However, its chairman, Rep. Matt Ramsey, on Thursday said the group will sum up what it has learned in a report rather than make an up-or-down recommendation before lawmakers return to the Capitol on Jan. 11.
In the meantime, gambling powerhouses aren’t staying quiet. MGM Chairman and CEO Jim Murren teased interest in a downtown resort and casino at the panel’s first meeting, adding that metro Atlanta could support a $1 billion project with restaurants and concerts for other entertainment options.
MGM has 14 lobbyists prepared to continue making the company’s pitch, a number that rivals other Capitol powerhouses. For instance, state records listed 15 lobbyists registered on behalf of the utility Georgia Power and named eight for the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Other gambling firms have hired lobbyists ahead of the session. Records show three registered for the Boyd Gaming Corp., which runs 22 casinos in eight states including Louisiana and Mississippi. Penn National Gaming, with 27 casinos including several Mississippi properties, also has three registered lobbyists.