Casinos in Georgia?

She asks the question, will it fly, in this blog. It's been talked about for years...casinos in Georgia.

[JK JONES]

We are working very hard, behind the scenes to make casinos a reality for Atlanta.
The Underground is a major area of interest for us, but we are looking at areas near the airport as well.
CASINOS = OPPORTUNITY (period)
We are not reinventing the wheel. Casinos simply WORK. It is the job of law enforcement to enforce the laws.
We believe that casinos would have a major economic impact on the city and generate revenue to support education, as well as, the continued real estate development in the city.
Casinos would be GREAT for Atlanta.

[testing testing]

The Hapeville Ford Motor plant would be a perfect location for a casino. Close to the airport - close to downtown...
Unfortunately, bringing in all that revenue and new job openings would make too much sense...Attracting gamblers TO Georgia rather than having Georgians drive out of state to spend their money???? Nah.....The powers that be would never go for that!

[GCG]

JK, Are you in a position to influence what happens (i.e., work for the government)? I hope so - I like your point of view.

[Stan in Florida]

GCG wrote:

JK, Are you in a position to influence what happens (i.e., work for the government)? I hope so - I like your point of view.

It doesn't matter if JK is connected to any special interests with regard to casinos. Already, the state of Georgia can't get illegal slots out of convenience stores across the state. Illegal gambling is rampant,...so, TAX IT legally. Build a casino in Vidalia, for all I give a damn.

[JK JONES]

Stan in Florida wrote:

<quoted text>It doesn't matter if JK is connected to any special interests with regard to casinos. Already, the state of Georgia can't get illegal slots out of convenience stores across the state. Illegal gambling is rampant,...so, TAX IT legally. Build a casino in Vidalia, for all I give a damn.

I agree- illegal gambling is rampant. Again, the law must be enforced and isn't really a gambling issue- it's an issue with law enforcement.
Once the slot machines are made legal- TAX IT.
I would only differ with you on location.
For Atlanta to have casinos, there needs to be a political surge to make it happen. We need people to support the cause. Right now- do a search "BRINGING CASINOS TO ATLANTA" you won't find much information.
Call Robb Pitts and ask for him to clarify his views. Ask how you can support the issue of bringing casinos to Atlanta.
Side Note:
Employment opportunities can be created in more ways than simply building another Super Wal-Mart.

[JK JONES]

GCG wrote:

JK, Are you in a position to influence what happens (i.e., work for the government)? I hope so - I like your point of view.

No and Yes. I don't work for the government, but as a commercial and business broker (that happens to live downtown) I know we can make this a reality and a win-win situation for everyone.

WE ARE ALL in a position to influence change and opportunity. It will take a great effort- but I think it will be worth the diligence.

[NRB]

Build a casino...on one condition... ELIMINATE STATE INCOME, PROPERTY, AND AD VELORUM TAXES! Thanks.

[GCG]

NRB wrote:

Build a casino...on one condition... ELIMINATE STATE INCOME, PROPERTY, AND AD VELORUM TAXES! Thanks.

Now THERE's a thought that would garner some public support!

[JUSTME]

Heck, we can't even get even get Sunday Alcohol Sales here in Georgia. I have lived here all my 48 years. It doesn't really bother me, because that's the way it has always been, but am truly shocked this Bill has never passed.

As far as Casino great on that too, people are losing more and more jobs day to day, as I see it now probably most of us that gamble just cross over the AL or MS line to take our cash to gamble. I don't see this happening for a long time.

[WHATDAHELL]

I know I am not reading these post rite. Gambling being so close to your home will make you lose everything you, your family and friends have worked so hard for. It is an addiction that causes stupidity to come out. No don't let them lie to you by telling you its good for the city, economy, or business. Its good for their pockets only not yours. Go to the cities that have it and see the damage it has caused to the cummunites and lives there!

[Richard]

WHATDAHELL wrote:

I know I am not reading these post rite. Gambling being so close to your home will make you lose everything you, your family and friends have worked so hard for. It is an addiction that causes stupidity to come out. No don't let them lie to you by telling you its good for the city, economy, or business. Its good for their pockets only not yours. Go to the cities that have it and see the damage it has caused to the cummunites and lives there!

Well some of us can control ourselves, so this doesn't apply to all.

[Black Beauty]

Can we please?
And if you have a gambling addiction, I have hope. Don't make the FIRST bet!!!!Just like don't pick up the first drink,first cigarette,etc. Don't try to make everyone live by your weakness.

[JK JONES]

GEORGIA LEGISLATURE
Backers say time ripe for casinos in Georgia

By ERIC STIRGUS , JAMES SALZER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, November 24, 2008

It’s become an annual Atlanta tradition.

City leaders ask state lawmakers to support the idea of casino gambling in Atlanta, suggesting it will bring millions of dollars to the region.

Each year, state lawmakers reject the idea, fearing casinos will lead to more gambling addictions, prostitution and organized crime.

Casino supporters say those concerns are outweighed by the major financial troubles gripping the state and city.

One Democratic state lawmaker, Roger Bruce of Atlanta, told the city’s elected officials last week that he’s planning to introduce legislation that could open the door to casinos in Georgia.

“I think the time is right for ideas, and this is an idea,” Bruce said in an interview.

Bruce said his bill would let counties, cities and towns roll the dice on whether they want a casino in their jurisdiction through a voter referendum.

The tax proceeds from the casinos would be divided between the local jurisdiction and the state. The money must be used for roads and other infrastructure projects, along with trauma centers.

House Speaker Pro-Tem Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) said voters would have to approve a constitutional amendment to allow gambling at Underground.

That’s unlikely, he said, since most lawmakers in the Republican majority don’t support the idea, and a proposed constitutional amendment would have to win the approval of the Georgia General Assembly.

“There is maybe a handful in our [Republican] caucus who have entertained pari-mutuel gambling through horse racing and so forth,” Burkhalter said.“But the bills have never even gotten out of a subcommittee.”

Burkhalter acknowledged Underground needs some help.“It’s an eyesore, it’s obviously not a draw to tourists or even residents of Atlanta.”

Atlanta has had two rounds of employee layoffs and service cuts this year and Mayor Shirley Franklin announced 10 percent furloughs earlier this month to deal with a projected budget shortfall of at least $50 million.

Gov. Sonny Perdue ordered state agencies to cut spending by 6 percent to manage a $1.6 billion shortfall.

City Council leaders have championed the idea of a casino in Atlanta for about 20 years, believing it would bring jackpot-size money to Georgia that could be used for public education or law enforcement.

A study completed last year by PFK Consulting found a casino could create nearly 11,000 jobs and fill tax coffers with about $135 million annually.

“Everybody knowing how desperately government needs [the money],” said Atlanta Councilwoman Anne Fauver.

Bruce believes a legitimate case can be made for casinos when you consider the economic impact. He contends the state’s efforts to raise revenues, primarily through property and sales taxes, aren’t working.

“What we’ve been doing has put us in a $2 billion deficit,” he said.

Ron Fennel, governmental affairs director for the Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, has heard the debate for years.

Despite the past reluctance of state lawmakers, he said his industry would put down the welcome mat for people if a casino ever came to Atlanta.

“We’ll invite them to come, spend their money, tell their friends and tell them to come back again.”

[Rebecca]

Bring it on.

[broken homes]

gamblers that can't afford playing will lose everything and their family.

[JK JONES]

Please join us online at HTTP://CASINOSINATLANTA.NING.COM
and help us bring casinos to Atlanta.

[play]

I read everyone post and that will be a great ideal to bring casinos to ATL it will help create jobs for society and thats what they need right now how the economic is right now.And another thing is that Georgia need to grow with some changes like in one of the post a young lady said she been living in Georgia for 48yrs and you can not buy alchol on Sunday and another thing they need to address is the roads they need to build more roads in ATL traffic is ruff now, how bad they will be if they build a casino their.