Legislation will be introduced in Georgia’s House of Representatives before crossover day, Thursday, March 12th, which will legalize casino gambling in our state. Chatham County is already being targeted as a primary location for a casino as an existing tourist destination. It is imperative that we tell legislators across the state that we do not support legalizing casino gambling.

Casinos will come at a high cost to Chatham County residents. Supporters of this legislation are trying to sell the idea that these casinos will be “resorts” but that isn’t accurate. In reality, what they are proposing are regional casinos, which are designed to attract local residents and prey on our most vulnerable communities.

The societal costs of casinos far outweigh any economic benefit. The known costs are:

• - Gambling addiction—the casino industry depends on it
• - A drain on local wealth resulting in a strain on the local economy
• - Decreased property values
• - Increased violence and crime
• - An increase in sex trafficking 
• - Rise in alcohol consumption     

We encourage everyone to contact their legislators, but that won’t be enough. We know that the legislators representing us here in Chatham County are a part of the push to legalize gambling in Georgia and are likely sponsoring the legislation. Several members of our delegation have received campaign contributions from the gambling industry. 

Sign this petition to let legislators across the state know that we oppose casino gambling in Chatham County and the State of Georgia.

Follow this link to find your legislators