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by: Gene Koprowski.
A leading legislator in Georgia wants to offer casinos statewide -- and is moving forward
with plans to do so soon.

Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) said he is planning to introduce legislation in the General
Assembly next week that would enable voters to vote on whether they want to bring
gambling to their own counties and towns.

Each jurisdiction will have the opportunity to manage its own destiny, instead of letting
state legislators decide.

“What I’m talking about doing is creating full-scale casinos or horse racing if they want
them,” Bruce said.

Gambling in Georgia has been discussed for years, especially as states across the country
have seen huge revenue gains from visitors and locals playing poker or turning the
roulette wheel.

Bert Brantley, a spokesman for Gov. Sonny Perdue, said the governor has never seen a
gambling proposal move through the Legislature but “would give serious consideration to
any kind of an idea like this.”

The idea has never been voted on by citizens, Bruce said. He views gambling as an
economic stimulus for the state.

Dan O’Leary, one of the partners in a nightclub called the Atlanta Underground, said he
has a $450 million proposal before the Georgia Lottery Board to build a casino at
Underground featuring video lottery terminals. He says the money would be a boon for the
state, with half of the proceeds designated for the HOPE scholarship and the city, along
with increased sales taxes and spending from tourists.

O’Leary’s plan would call for a makeover of Underground, the addition of upscale
restaurants and retailers and the construction of a new 29-story hotel.

O’Leary’s proposal would not include roulette tables. One argument he makes for a casino
at Underground is that Georgians spend $200 million annually gambling in nearby states,
including Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi.

About Bruce’s bill, O’Leary said: “The focus on the issue of gaming only helps to raise
awareness of all of the economic benefits."

Fulton County Commissioner Rob Pitts, a supporter of casinos, said he backs any
legislation that will bring gambling to Georgia. He has circulated a survey asking
residents their feelings on casinos, including whether they should have the opportunity
to vote on it.

“However it gets introduced and passed is alright with me. I just want the people to have
the chance to vote on it,” said Pitts.


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