Wynn Resorts and Boyd Gaming have expressed interest in opening casinos in Georgia if the state legalizes gambling. Christopher Gordon, president of Wynn Resorts and its development arm, Wynn Development, addressed lawmakers during a House of Representatives study committee meeting on gaming this week. Ryan Soultz, vice president for government affairs at Boyd Gaming, also told legislators that the company would consider Georgia as a location if voters approve casino gambling.
Georgia’s constitution currently prohibits gambling. Efforts to change this have faced significant obstacles. In 2018, an attempt to legalize gambling at three locations failed to gain traction. More recently, a proposal to put sports betting and casino legalization on the ballot did not receive a vote in the legislature. The March setback marked the seventh consecutive year lawmakers considered such measures.
Despite repeated failures, supporters continue to bring up the issue each legislative session. Lawmakers are expected to revisit it in January with the possibility of sending it to voters in November 2026 if it clears both chambers by supermajority.
Gordon cited economic benefits as a key reason for pursuing casino legalization. He pointed to Encore Boston Harbor, which opened in Massachusetts in 2019 at a cost of $2.6 billion and covers 3.1 million square feet. According to Gordon, “These things are an engine that you can’t imagine if you build the right ones and you get the right operators.” He added that such a facility could employ up to 4,000 workers and noted that Encore Boston Harbor has contributed $1 billion in gaming taxes since opening.
Rick Lackey, founder of Real Professionals Network, suggested Midtown and Downtown Atlanta as well as areas near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport as potential sites for casinos. Savannah was also mentioned as an attractive option due to its proximity to Florida.
