Wynn Shows Interest in Georgia Casino Market if Gambling Ban Ends

Christopher Gordon, head of development at Wynn Resorts, told legislators that Georgia presents a prime opportunity for establishing a world-class casino resortImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Georgiamight soon ngake a new look at its long-time ban on casino gambling. Big names in the gaming world are eager to tap into the state’s unused market. Wynn Resortsand Boyd Gaming,both based in Las Vegas, spoke at a recent House study committee hearing. They said they would be ready to put a lot of money into Georgia if lawmakers and voters agree to change the state constitution.

Georgia Lawmakers Hear Pitch for Billion-Dollar Casino Developments

Christopher Gordon, who manages development for Wynn Resorts, told lawmakers that Georgiaoffers a great chance to build a destination casino resort. He highlighted the company’s $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor propertyas an example, stressing that a similar complex in Georgiacould produce thousands of jobs and bring in big tax money. This Massachusetts casino, which opened in 2019, has already paid over $1 billion in gaming taxes and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Boyd Gaming, which earned over $1 billion in the last quarter alone, also showed keen interest. Company spokesman Ryan Soultzhinted that Georgiacould become a profitable addition to its holdings if voters support making it legal.

The committee meetingwas the second one since lawmakers set up the panel this year to assess the possible economic advantages and social worries about casino and sports betting. The talks focused on income, jobs, and rules, but industry experts asked lawmakers to cap the number of licenses to avoid flooding the market.

Midtown, Savannah, and North Georgia Touted as Top Casino Locations

Property adviser Rick Lackeysuggested several top spots for potential projects, including MidtownandDowntown Atlanta, areas near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and places in Savannahand North Georgia.

Despite industry excitement, legal obstacles remain big. Past attempts to grow gambling in the state, including pushes in 2018 and this year, did not make it to a vote. Rep. Ron Stephenssaid lawmakers will zero in on sports betting in the next session, which might show up on the ballot in 2026 if it gets super-majority approval in both houses.

Supporters saythat keeping betting in check could help Georgiakeep up with nearby states and lock in new money for programs like the HOPE Scholarship, which is worried about funding in the years ahead. Pointing to North Carolina‘s experience where legal sports betting beat money hopes, backers think Georgiacould see similar cash gains while cutting down on unregulated offshore betting.

At this point, Georgia’s casino gaming futureis up in the air. However, big players are ready to pour billions into the state. This puts growing pressure on politicians to ngake another look at the current ban.