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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:24 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:24:30 GMT
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Rising flood waters trapped horses inside a Sandy Springs stable on Sunday afternoon. Rescue teams were called to Summit Equestrian Solutions on River Run around 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:10:38 GMT
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters.
On a day filled with nasty storms and heavy rains, there is a bright spot. A Suwanee police officer is being credited with saving the life of a baby bunny that was swept away by flood waters during Sunday's downpour.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:00 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:00:39 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed a crowd of soggy graduates and guests at Morehouse College's spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, telling graduates to take the power of their example-- as black men graduating from college-- and use it to improve people's lives.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:53:40 GMT
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday.
President Barack Obama addressed graduates at Morehouse College's commencement ceremony in Atlanta on Sunday, marking the first time a sitting president has made a commencement address in Georgia since 1938. See photos from his visit to Atlanta here!
Saturday, May 18 2013 10:09 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:09:05 GMT
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
They say you can't win if you don't play, and thousands of people are. The jackpot for Saturday night's Powerball drawing is an estimated $600 million, giving many a bad case of lottery fever.
