Two identical Atlanta casino bills have actually been introduced to both chambers of this state’s General Assembly, and gambling organizations throughout the nation are readying for the fight that is legislative hiring high-profile lobbyists.

The most name that is recent join the push for casinos in Georgia is former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. The Republican who served two terms leading The Magnolia State has filed lobbyist paperwork in Atlanta to represent the interests of Las Wynn that is vegas-based Resorts.

Barbour joining the discussion is essential as a result of his friendship that is long with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal (R). State lawmakers have been pressing to legalize commercial gambling in Georgia for over a year so as to increase tax revenue.

Deal has opposed such legislation in the past, but recently hinted he’d be open for a discussion should the casino legislation mandate that almost all the proceeds help training, therefore the effect wouldn’t directly harm the state’s lottery system.