ATLANTA — Today state Representative Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell) introduced House Resolution 1177, which would provide an opportunity for Georgia voters to amend the state constitution to allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia. The amendment could lead to the creation of thousands of jobs throughout Georgia.
“In these difficult times we must seek out opportunities to create sustainable jobs and raise state and local government revenues,” said Representative Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell), Chairman of the House Equine Industry Study Committee. “By following the examples of Florida and Louisiana, we can expand Georgia’s equine industry and create thousands of equine jobs throughout our great state.”
Currently, horse racing and pari-mutuel betting is legal in 38 states. Combined, this contributes a total economic impact of $39 billion to the United States annually. With its central position in a region with no major horse racing and its position of interstates linking New York, Maryland, and Kentucky with Florida, all major horse racing states, Georgia is uniquely positioned to become the 39th state to expand its equine industry in such a way.
Because Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and South Carolina are absent of horse racing, there would be limited regional competition to Georgia’s horse racing industry. Also, with correctly timed horse meets and races, Georgia could attract the thousands of horses that already pass through the state while traveling between Kentucky and Florida.
During the November 18, 2009 meeting of the House Equine Industry Study Committee numerous experts testified to the economic benefits of Georgia allowing horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering. Dr. Stephen Fisch, President of the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association, explained that each horse on a race track creates seven jobs. The average horse meet will have at least 800-1,000 horses, thus creating approximately 7,000 jobs per meet.
Some of the jobs necessary for each horse include trainers, grooms, jockeys, drivers and riders, and veterinarians. Other employment expansion would also include racetrack employees and supporting industries such as hotels and restaurants.
“The racetrack itself is the very tip of the iceberg as far as economic development,” said Dr. Stephen Fisch.
If passed, House Resolution 1177 would add a constitutional amendment to the ballot on the upcoming election, which would ask Georgia voters if the Constitution of Georgia should be amended to authorize the General Assembly allow pari-mutuel gaming in Georgia on horse racing. Those in favor of ratifying the proposed amendment would vote “yes”, and those in favor of voting against the ratification would vote “no.”
For more information on the economic impact of the horse industry please visit: http://www.horsecouncil.org/nationaleconomics.php.
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Representative Harry Geisinger represents the citizens of District 48, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 1969 and served till 1974. He was then was reelected and sworn in again in 2004. He currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee. He also serves on the Children and Youth, MARTOC, Natural Resources & Environment, and Transportation Committees.