ATLANTA— State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) will re-introduce the “Casino Poker Room” bill during the 2017 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. Originally introduced during the 2015 session, this legislation would create a referendum allowing voters to decide on the legalization of poker rooms in select entertainment districts in Georgia.
“Billions of dollars are leaving Georgia and flowing into our neighboring states Florida, North Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama as a result of Georgia’s lack of casino gambling,” said Rep. Waites. “That is revenue that could be coming into our state. With approval from the voters, poker rooms could be the first of many steps toward gaming in Georgia. This bill has the potential to generate tax revenue for schools, scholarships, as well as spur tourism and economic development. This House Resolution is also a jobs generator with the potential to create thousands of jobs in our state through construction and operations.”
This resolution will be formally introduced during the 2017 legislative session. The legislation would only legalize poker rooms in counties and cities that have an established entertainment district and have approved the practice through a referendum.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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