Georgia horse racing bill met with skepticism from senate (Atlanta: casino, utilities)

[fieldm]

During a Georgia state Senate hearing on Monday, the bill to legalize pari-mutuel betting on horse racing met with skepticism from some senators, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee questioned whether the proposed economic impact had been overstated, doubting that horse racing would bring 5,000 jobs and $500 million a year to to the state as projected by the Georgia Horse Racing Coalition. There were also questions about money being sent out of state, via operating expenses and simulcast wagering.

Several religious groups also suggested that a casino would likely be necessary to make the racetrack profitable, as seen in other states, which would be an undesirable addition. Senator Brandon Beach (R.), the bill's chief sponsor, argued that a casino wouldn't be required to make the mixed-use race track project proposed by the GHRC a success.

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/b...ia-senate.html

[Gulch]

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[DJDeadParrot]

Originally Posted by fieldm

Several religious groups also suggested that a casino would likely be necessary to make the racetrack profitable, as seen in other states, which would be an undesirable addition. Senator Brandon Beach (R.), the bill's chief sponsor, argued that a casino wouldn't be required to make the mixed-use race track project proposed by the GHRC a success.

That committee's skepticism is well-founded as racetrack profitability, particularly ones that have not brought in slots, etc., is in decline. So-called racinos, legal in 10 states, are among the most successful horse-racing venues.