Beach\u2019s proposed legislation would ask voters whether they want to amend the Georgia constitution to authorize the new games. He noted that sports betting and casinos are legal in many neighboring states, costing Georgia tourism and economic development opportunities.<\/p>\n
During a recent visit to the Harrah\u2019s Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina, about an hour\u2019s drive from the state border, Beach said he noticed that 85% of the cars in the parking lot had Georgia license plates.<\/p>\n
We are funding North Carolina\u2019s education system with Georgia license plates up there gaming,\u201d<\/strong> he said. \u201cSo I think it\u2019s something we have to let the voters decide.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nBeach says his goal is to see Atlanta eventually host a luxury casino resort, pointing to the Wynn Encore Boston Harbor as an example of what he hopes to see.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want a Las Vegas Strip. But what I do want is a Wynn-type facility that is a destination,\u201d Beach said. He anticipated a casino resort would include an entertainment venue, spa, restaurants, and high-end retail brands like Versace and Gucci.<\/p>\n
Funding for Infrastructure, Education<\/b><\/h2>\n
The legislation Beach discussed Wednesday was circulated to committee members in draft form. But he said it may be tweaked before being introduced.<\/p>\n
The legislation would direct proceeds from casinos, racing, and sports betting to several priorities, including infrastructure development, health care, and education, Beach said at the meeting.<\/strong><\/p>\nHalf of the proceeds would flow into a Freight and Logistics Fund, aimed at improving roads, bridges, and rail access in key priority areas, such as around the Port of Savannah.<\/p>\n
The other half would be split between health care and education, with 20% going to a rural health care fund, 20% going to address gambling addiction and mental health, and 10% going to a fund dedicated to the state\u2019s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.<\/p>\n