ATLANTA – A state lawmaker wants voters to decide whether to amend the state constitution to allow betting on horse racing.
State Rep. Harry Geisinger, R-Roswell, contends horse racing would increase revenue for the state and result in jobs.
“In these difficult times we must seek out opportunities to create sustainable jobs and raise state and local government revenues,” Geisinger said in a news release. “By following the examples of Florida and Louisiana, we can expand Georgia’s equine industry and create thousands of equine jobs throughout our great state.”
Horse racing is allowed in 38 states and represents $39 billion in annual economic impact nationally, according to Geisinger. Also, the state representative noted that other southern states – Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina – do not have horse racing, meaning Georgia’s would-be horse racing industry could face less competition.
“The racetrack itself is the very tip of the iceberg as far as economic development,” Stephen Fisch, President of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, said, according to the news release.
Geisinger is chairman of the House Equine Industry Study Committee.
