Gambling in GA... (Atlanta, Savannah: fit in, crime, hotel)

[Babeejulss]

Is Gambling legal in GA? Do they have casinos or any type of Bingo or Poker? Just wondering..

Julie

[atlantagreg30127]

We have a lottery but that's it. There are no official indian reservations with casinos in the state or anything like that.

While Atlanta is mixed politically, overall the state of Georgia is very conservative (deep south, Republican, conservative Southern Baptist, yadda yadda...). It took forever just to get a lottery passed a ways back and even then it only barely passed. Every time someone brings up the idea of legalizing gambling the thumpers immediately bring out the guns, saying that hundreds of thousands of children will lie starving in the streets as their parents spend food money at a casino.

Also, video gaming machines that pay out in cash are illegal. The exist, but in "back rooms" of places and the police are constantly raiding these places and shutting them down (apparently all crack dealers are off the streets, so we're SAFE from video gaming now, too).

At one time there was a boat or two that left the port in Savannah, and once it got out far enough into "international waters" it opened up a casino, but I'm not sure if it's still around or not. Click HERE for the link to the page with their names, but again, I'm not sure how old it is. The nearest "real" casino is Harrah's in Cherokee, NC on the reservation there. Read up on that HERE.

[Babeejulss]

Thanks Greg for the info. I was just wondering because we have Casino's popping up everywhere in FL.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by Babeejulss

Thanks Greg for the info. I was just wondering because we have Casino's popping up everywhere in FL.

For years they've talked about trying to get bills passed that would legalize gambling at Underground Atlanta in downtown Atlanta, but I say it has a slim chance of ever passing. Our current and recently past city leadership isn't that bright, and the police can't even handle the bum and vagrant problem surrounding the Underground complex now - much less handle the increase of people (a few shady) who would enter the area if casinos were there.

If Atlanta gets gambling, it'll be 20+ years before it happens. There's a greater chance of seeing a casino one day on River Street in Savannah than downtown Atlanta.

[CamaroGuy]

Hopefully maybe one of Georgia's Indian tribes will get federal recognition and be able to open a casino. I don't hold with the idea that casinos can't go over in Georgia either because the state is southern and conservative. Just look at Mississippi!

[Bulldawgfan]

I am not much of a gambler, and yet somehow I have ridden a river boat in Metropolis, visited with the Indians in Cherokee, walked the rivers edge in Tunica and sailed the Atlantic from Florida. I am not sure if we will every see these type of places flourish here in Georgia. No need really... we are surrounded.

By the way, I would hardly call Harrah's in Cherokee a casino. It is more like a place for adults to get together and play video games. Sorta like a Dave and Busters with money. In order for it to be called a casino there has to be 'real' cards. My opinion.

[Faketigger]

I hope legalized Gambling never enters Georgia. In California we have it and the excuse was that the tax revenue it generated would help cover budget shortfalls. It hasn't. It was also allowed in the state to help native American tribes become self sufficient but they're still very poor. Legalized gambling is controlled by special interests to make sure only a few benefit from it. Look at Las Vegas, the mecca of legalized gambling. It's rampant with prostitution and crime is high outside the casino areas. Nevada schools are at the bottom in the nation and their social services are horrible. Georgians should oppose any attempt to bring legalized gambling into the state.

[rcsteiner]

Originally Posted by Faketigger

I hope legalized Gambling never enters Georgia. In California we have it and the excuse was that the tax revenue it generated would help cover budget shortfalls. It hasn't. It was also allowed in the state to help native American tribes become self sufficient but they're still very poor. Legalized gambling is controlled by special interests to make sure only a few benefit from it. Look at Las Vegas, the mecca of legalized gambling. It's rampant with prostitution and crime is high outside the casino areas. Nevada schools are at the bottom in the nation and their social services are horrible. Georgians should oppose any attempt to bring legalized gambling into the state.

It's been my understanding that some casinos can do well, at least those on reservations and such. I know that several of the casinos in Minnesota, for example, have generated a lot of revenue for the tribes in question and have greatly increased the standard of living for those people.

The one just south of the metro also gives back to the external community, so it isn't just the Native Americans who benefit in some cases.

[KevK]

Originally Posted by CamaroGuy

Hopefully maybe one of Georgia's Indian tribes will get federal recognition and be able to open a casino. I don't hold with the idea that casinos can't go over in Georgia either because the state is southern and conservative. Just look at Mississippi!

I think it will happen soon. The Cherokee Indian Tribe certainly can lay claim to federal status here since the NW part of the state used to belong to them. Hopefully they will buy some land and get recognition. That is the only way we will ever get one here with the Southern Baptist running the place. Hell, you cannot even have beer on Sunday here!