AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Lawmakers are debating the future of gaming in Georgia.

According to the American Gaming Association, Georgia is one of four states that have not legalized any type of gaming.

A long-fought battle between businesses and sports teams and entrenched conservative religious interests is expected to come to a head next legislative session.

“We’ve been talking about this issue since my hair was black,” said Chairman Ron Stephens

During the first meeting of the study committee on gaming, they spent hours talking about the possibility of casinos.

Ed Clark, the President of EchoPark Speedway in Henry County, says if legalized, they want to put a destination casino resort near the track.

The project would create thousands of construction jobs and employ thousands of people after it’s built.

“If we build a facility at the speedway, it’s going to make you proud,” said Clark.

Lawmakers estimate casinos would bring in around $500 million in revenue.

Baptist preacher, Mike Griffin, says that for every dollar in revenue, it could cost taxpayers $3 to $5 to fix, citing the devastating effects of addiction. He believes it could also lead to increased crime, bankruptcies, job losses, sex trafficking, and suicides.

“We live in a sin-sick world,” said Griffin.

Mike Lewis, a marketing professor, says watching the two sides square off is one of the most fascinating political dynamics at play.

“This essentially rural conservative legislature is holding back this trend that a lot of the more liberal progressive folks in the Atlanta business community really want,” said Lewis.

The study committee has until December to issue recommendations.

The committee’s chair, Marcus Wiedower, sponsored a resolution that is still in play next year, calling for a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting.

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