Georgia lawmakers consider casinos, horse racing to raise scholarship funds

September 15, 2015 at 2:28 p.m. | Updated September 17, 2015 at 12:39 p.m.

by Associated Press

FILE - In this April 15, 2015 file photo, a man takes a picture of the fountains in front of the Bellagio hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The vice president of sustainability for MGM Resorts International, Chris Brophy, told a panel of the Nevada Drought Forum on Friday, July 17, the company saved 2 billion gallons of water since 2008 through a variety of conservation efforts. The company has 15 properties on the Las Vegas Strip. (AP Photo/John Locher,File)
FILE - In this April 15, 2015 file photo, a man takes a picture of the fountains in front of the Bellagio hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The vice president of sustainability for MGM Resorts International, Chris Brophy, told a panel of the Nevada Drought Forum on Friday, July 17, the company saved 2 billion gallons of water since 2008 through a variety of conservation efforts. The company has 15 properties on the Las Vegas Strip. (AP Photo/John Locher,File)
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ATLANTA - Gambling supporters, including Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International, made their first public pitch this week that casinos and horse racing are the solution to Georgia'scollege scholarship funding gap.

A study committee on the merit-based HOPE program held its first meetings Monday and Tuesday. The panel has a Dec. 1 deadline to make recommendations about funding the program. It's designed to cover college expenses using lottery funding, but demand has outpaced funding.

MGM's Chairman and CEO Jim Murren encouraged lawmakers to pick the best strategies from other states. He says metro Atlanta could support a $1 billion downtown resort and casino, with smaller projects in Savannah or other spots.

Some prominent GOP officials, including Gov. Nathan Deal, still oppose gambling expansion. Lottery officials also warn it could harm their income.

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