GQHA looks to the Florida Quarter Horse Racing
Legislation introduced into the Georgia House of Representatives Tuesday could lead to the legalization of horse racing and pari-mutuel betting.
A constitutional amendment submitted by Rep. Harry Geisinger would let Georgians vote this fall on whether to allow the horseracing industry into the state, a move the Roswell Republican said would generate thousands of jobs.
“In these difficult times, we must seek out opportunities to create sustainable jobs and raise state and local government revenues,” Geisinger said. “By following the examples of Florida and Louisiana, we can expand.
During a hearing the committee held last fall, the president of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association testified that each horse on a racetrack creates seven jobs, from grooms and jockeys to hotel and restaurant workers.
“The racetrack itself is the very tip of the iceberg as far as economic development,” Stephen Fisch told the panel.
While horse racing and pari-mutuel betting is legal in 38 states, previous attempts to bring legalized wagering to Georgia – including a casino at Underground Atlanta – have met with opposition from religious conservatives, including Gov. Sonny Perdue.