Community Corner

Would You Vote For Horse Racing in Georgia?

Weekend Breeders' Cup Classic win by Georgia-owned horse helps renew conversation about passing legislation to allow pari-mutuel wagering in state.

This past Saturday in California, Mucho Macho Man charged to a thrilling win in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. 

In doing so, the 5-year-old horse, who is owned by Dean and Patti Reeves of Suwanee, Ga., and had previously finished third in the 2011 Kentucky Derby, again sparked conversation about bringing horse racing to Georgia.

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In the last two years, the Reeves’ have formed the Georgia Horse Racing Coalition (GHRC), a group of horse racing enthusiasts who are working with state leaders to pass legislation allowing pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia. The group says, “that the horse racing industry in Georgia could bring as much as $50 million annually in tax revenues. Add in the employment, tourism and business opportunities, and the potential economic impact is much greater.”

It’s been two decades since voters in Georgia approved a statewide lottery, but attempts to expand gambling in the state have since failed. Georgia remains one of a dozen states that do not permit pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, as one of the leading objections from opponents is that horse racing would then lead to casino gambling.

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State Senator Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), who last year was appointed the Chairman of the Horse Racing Study Committee by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, is expected to introduce a proposed constitutional amendment during the 2014 state legislative session that would need lawmakers approval before sending to the voters.

"Our state has significant amounts of pastureland and facilities that would allow for the breeding, raising, training, and stabling of horses," Murphy said in 2012 press release.

In addition to possibly helping with infrastructure needs, the GHRC also contends that money from horse racing could help the HOPE Scholarship program, as well.

What do you think, given the opportunity to vote on the matter, would you like to see horse racing legalized in Georgia? Let us know in the comment box below.


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