Wynn Resorts and Boyd Gaming have expressed strong interest in opening casinos in Georgia if state lawmakers move to legalize gambling. Christopher Gordon, president of Wynn Resorts and its development division, told a House of Representatives study committee this week that the company would be eager to consider locations in Georgia should the legal framework change.
Ryan Soultz, vice president for government affairs at Boyd Gaming, echoed this sentiment, stating that the company would “love to be in Georgia should voters allow it,” according to Bisnow.
Efforts to legalize gambling in Georgia have faced repeated setbacks. A 2018 initiative to permit casinos at three sites failed to gain traction, and a more recent proposal in March did not advance to a legislative vote. This marks the seventh year in a row that lawmakers have considered expanding gambling options.
The legislature is expected to revisit the issue again in January. If successful, a constitutional amendment could appear on ballots as soon as November 2026, but only if it passes with supermajorities in both legislative chambers.
Gordon pointed out the potential economic benefits of casino development. He referenced Encore Boston Harbor—a $2.6 billion resort opened by Wynn Resorts in Massachusetts—which has generated $1 billion in gaming taxes for that state since its 2019 debut and employs thousands of workers. Gordon suggested similar economic gains could be possible for Georgia: “These things are an engine that you can’t imagine if you build the right ones and you get the right operators,” he said.
Rick Lackey, founder of Real Professionals Network, proposed several areas as suitable for casino sites, including Midtown Atlanta, Downtown Atlanta, locations near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Savannah near the Florida border.
— Eric Weilbacher
