Advocates hope to put a referendum before Georgia voters asking for approval to allow betting on horse racing in the state.
A state Senate committee studying the issue is to conduct a second and final hearing later this week.
"It will be an opportunity for the state to…have some revenue if the people want it. You know, and of course if they don't, then that's that. That is who we work for," said state Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), the panel's chairman.
A referendum would require two-thirds majority approval in the Senate and House before it could go on the ballot for voters in 2014.
State House Speaker David Ralston and others have expressed concern that the introduction of horse racing here could lead to calls for casino gambling.
Eric Cochling, a leader of the Georgia Family Council, said in a statement, "Horse racing is a struggling industry across the US and Canada except where it is paired with casino-style gambling; to invite it into our state would be to invite other, more harmful forms of gambling that are needed to support it."
Supporters say they do not want casino gambling and point to polls showing substantial public support in the state for pari-mutuel wagering.
Backer say one study shows the horse racing industry could generate at least $50 million in revenue for the state.
Opponents say they are concerned that betting on horse racing could take money away from the Georgia Lottery and, as a result, the HOPE scholarship.
The Senate committee studying the issue meets Thursday afternoon at the Georgia Capitol.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
