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gambling Archives – Concerned Women for America

NEW! Daily Fantasy Sports Bill Just One Vote Away From Passing

By | Georgia | No Comments

Updated March 27, 2017

Two days remain in Georgia’s legislative session; just two days left to defeat HB 118, the Daily Fantasy Sports bill.  Touted as a “consumer protection bill,” HB 118 is nothing more than a means to legitimize the newest form of online gambling – Daily Fantasy Sports.  Click here for CWA of Georgia’s DFS talking points.

HB 118 will be voted on by the full Senate either Tuesday or Thursday of this week (March 28 or 30).   Will you stop right now and make one call to your state senator and urge him/her to vote “NO” on HB 118 when it comes to the floor for a vote. Click here to locate your state senator.  Leave a message after hours if that is more convenient for you.  Be sure to let them know that you are a member of Concerned Women for America of Georgia.

Your call will make a difference.  Your prayer can change the heart of your state senator.

Background on bill:
HB 118, the Fantasy Contests Act, is sponsored by State Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) and seeks to regulate and legalize paid-entry fantasy sports.

Daily Fantasy Sports is gambling. Supporters of the bill claim that Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is not gambling – that it is a game of skill, much like entering golf or fishing tournaments (tournaments where you are normally betting on yourself).  The problem with their argument is that those who play DFS are betting on a player or players whom they do not control.  They cannot control injuries, coaching decisions, weather, and other similar circumstances. The bottom line with DFS – you cannot control the outcome.

When a similar bill was introduced last year, then State Attorney General Sam Olens was asked by the Georgia Lottery Commission to weigh in on whether fantasy sports games were illegal under Georgia law – whether they are games of chance or skill. According to a letter from Wright Banks Jr., Deputy Attorney General, to the Lottery Commission, “fantasy sports constitutes illegal gambling and are not allowed under Georgia law.”

Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Georgia opposes HB 118 because if passed, the state legislature will rubber stamp America’s newest form of predatory gambling, Daily Fantasy Sports.  Click here for CWA of Georgia’s DFS talking points.

Pray that the hearts of the representatives be softened toward righteousness and that they seek God’s wisdom and guidance on the issues that greatly impact Georgians and their families.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and action.  They make all the difference.

Educate yourself on DFS:

You Made the Difference! Casino Bill Dies in Committee.

By | Georgia | No Comments

Update

Your voice made the difference!  Thank you! We are cautiously optimistic that the effort to pass casino legislation in 2017 has failed.  There are still fourteen days left in the legislative session, and you can be assured that CWA of Georgia will be keeping our eyes open for legislative maneuvering to move the casino legislation forward.

Georgia Casino Gambling Bill Dies In Senate Committee

Georgia Casino bill dead for 2017

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ACTION ALERT!

SB 79, the casino bill, is no longer on the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee hearing agenda for this coming Monday, February 27. Let’s keep it that way! The bill sponsor, Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), is trying to modify the bill enough to persuade senators to support the bill. Read all about the “goodies” here.

Will you make a few phone calls before noon on Monday, February 27, and urge these senators to vote “NO” on SB 79 should the bill be added to the Committee’s agenda on Monday, February 27?

Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville)
Capitol: (404) 656-4700
District: (706) 680-4466
Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford)
Capitol: (404) 463-1368
Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville)
Capitol: (404) 656-5038
District: (912) 557-3811
Sen. Rick Jeffares (R-McDonough)
Capitol: (404) 463-1376
District: (678) 432-7676
Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon)
Capitol: (404) 656-0045
District: (478) 749-9981
Call your state senator and urge him or her to oppose SB 79 should it come to the floor for a full vote.  Click here to find your state senator.

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In the first eight days of Georgia’s 2017 state legislative session, three bills have been introduced that will expand predatory gambling in Georgia, if passed. CWA of Georgia is lobbying aggressively on your behalf to stop the bills in their tracks.  Your voice is vitally important to the success of stopping the expansion of gambling in the state.  See our action alerts and call for prayer below.

The First Two Bills: Casino Gambling

The threat of state-sponsored predatory gambling via casinos is once again knocking at our door in Georgia.  Sen. Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) and Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) have filed their respective casino bills. SB 79 and HB 158, both named the “Destination Resort Act”, would allow up to two resort-style casinos to operate in Georgia under the governance of a newly created Georgia Gaming Commission.

You will pay even if you don’t play. 

Consider the social costs of gambling addictions obtained from the Georgia State University Problem Gambling Research & Intervention Project:

  • Bankruptcy – 20-30 percent of gambling addicts have declared bankruptcy, compared to 4.2 percent of low-risk gamblers and non-gamblers.  The average cost to creditors per personal bankruptcy is $39,000.
  • Debt/Spending patterns – 90 percent of gambling addicts gamble with their paychecks or family savings, and 30 percent reported gambling debts ranging from $75,000–$150,000.
  • Correctional costs – The estimated lifetime correctional costs of gambling addicts in Georgia is $249,159,000.
  • Costs of property crimes related to gambling – The average amount stolen per person who reported stealing (money and/or property) is $135,000.
  • Work related costs – The estimated cost to employers from gambling related absences is $45 million.

Georgia cannot afford casinos – neither economically nor socially.

Status on HB 158: HB 158 has been assigned to the House Regulated Industries Committee. No hearing date has been set for the bill.   Action item: call your state representative and ask him or her to oppose HB 158 if it comes up for a vote. Click here to find your state representative.

Status on SB 79: SB 79  was heard in the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee on Thursday, February 9, 2017 but not vote was taken.  Action item:  If you have contacted the members of the Regulated Industries  and Utilities Committee, please contact them again and urge them to OPPOSE SB 79, the casino bill. In addition, contact your state senator and urge him or her to oppose SB 79.  Click here to find your state senator.

Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville)      (404) 656-7454     [email protected]
Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville)      (404) 656-4700     [email protected]
Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford)     (404) 463-1368    [email protected]
Sen. Jack Hill (R-Reidsville)                (404) 656-5038    [email protected]
Sen. Bill Coswert (R-Athens)              (404) 463-1366    [email protected]
Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus)     (404) 463-3931     [email protected]
Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth)            (404) 656-0048   [email protected]
Sen. Rick Jeffares (R-McDonough)  (404) 463-1376     [email protected]
Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega)      (404) 656-9221    [email protected]
Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga)    (404) 656-0057    [email protected]
Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon)         (404) 656-0045    [email protected]
Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus)      (404) 656-0074    [email protected]
Sen. Steve Henson (D-Tucker)          (404) 656-0085   [email protected]
Sen. David Lucas (D-Macon)             (404) 656-5035    [email protected]

Download these resources and educate others on why casinos are bad for Georgia.

Pray that the hearts of the representatives be softened toward righteousness and that they seek God’s wisdom and guidance on the issues that greatly impact Georgians and their families.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and action.  They make all the difference.


Read about The Third Bill: Daily Fantasy Sports

Casino Gambling Stopped In Georgia

By | Georgia | No Comments

casino_stopped

Praising God for a mighty victory in the Georgia legislature. The efforts to expand predatory gambling via casinos were stopped for this year! The Lord moved on our behalf through work of a coalition of faith-based organizations and concerned citizens who made their voice heard through an incredible number of phone calls and emails.

A group of intercessors lead by Teresa Cantrell spent several hours at the Capitol praying over the gambling and religious freedom bills.

Prayer does move the hand of God.

Alert! Georgia House to vote on casinos but silent on religious freedom

By | Georgia | No Comments

The expansion of state-sponsored predatory gambling could be heading to Georgia if we do not act immediately. It appears that Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) is more concerned about bringing casinos to Georgia than protecting religious freedom.  The Speaker has given the green light to allow two predatory gambling bills to be voted on by the House on Monday, February 29, 2016, while stalling to pass any religious freedom legislation that offers broad-based religious protections for all Georgians.

CWA of Georgia has been working aggressively on your behalf to stop the expansion of gambling in Georgia. I testified before a House study committee on gambling this past November and before the House Regulated Industries Committee this past Thursday, February 25, 2016.  We spent many hours at the State Capitol this week lobbying against the bills. 

Would you be willing to make one phone call this weekend?  Your state representative needs to hear from you!

Take Action
Calls needed by noon Monday, February 29

Please call your state representative and urge him or her to OPPOSE HR 807 and HB 677. Click here to find your legislator. Do not hesitate to call your representative’s district number, if listed.

HR 807 is the proposed constitutional amendment to expand gambling in Georgia, which requires a 2/3 vote in the House to pass. If passed by both the House and Senate, the casino amendment will be put before the voters on the November 2016 statewide ballot. 

HB 677 is the enabling legislation, which will specify how casinos will be operated and regulated.

Pray that the hearts of the representatives be softened toward righteousness and that they seek God’s wisdom and guidance on the issues that greatly impact Georgians.

Horse racing is trotting through the Senate – calls needed!

By | Georgia | No Comments

Is Gambling Heading to Georgia?
While religious freedom protections are being trampled, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed out of committee SR 135, a constitutional amendment to allow pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and SB 264, the amendment’s enabling legislation. These bills need to be stopped in their “tracks”.

Take Action
Please contact your state senator TODAY and urge him or her to oppose the expansion of predatory gambling in Georgia by voting no on SR 135 and SB 264. The horse racing industry is a failed business model and will not be able to sustain itself.  Horse racing is a ruse to usher in casino gambling. The bills must be stopped. Phone calls are needed TODAY.

Click here to find your legislator.

Action Alert! Gambling: A Bad Bet for Georgia Families

By | Georgia | No Comments

Action Alert!

The expansion of state-sponsored predatory gambling could be heading to Georgia if some state lawmakers have their way. In the last week of the 2015 legislative session, Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) introduced legislation that would open the door for up to six casino resorts in Georgia.  For this to happen, the state legislature must first pass the proposed constitutional amendment, which requires a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate. If passed, the casino amendment will be put before the voters on the November 2016 statewide ballot.  If passed by the voters, state lawmakers must then pass the enabling legislation, which will specify how casinos will be operated and regulated.

A study committee is holding hearings to vet the draft legislation.  The latest hearing was held in Savannah on November 2, 2015.  I represented CWA of Georgia at the hearing and testified in opposition to the proposed gambling constitutional amendment.  Concerned Women for America opposes all forms of gambling, and you can be sure that your voice will be continued to be represented on this issue.

Action Item: The 2016 legislative session starts in just over two months, and we need calls made to legislators TODAY to stop the legislation. Will you please call your state senator and representative TODAY and urge them to vote against any gambling legislation.  If your legislators tell you they want the people of Georgia to decide on gambling, respectfully tell them no thank you.  Don’t let them punt their legislative responsibility on such an important issue! This is a state issue, so please be sure you contact your state legislators. Click here to locate your state legislators.

Pray specifically for your legislators, that they will truly understand the dangers gambling will bring to Georgia families. Pray they will have the moral courage to oppose the efforts by representatives of the lucrative gambling industry who unashamedly seek to exert their influence in the political process.

CWA talking points on the expansion of gambling in Georgia

Video resources

Articles

Anti-gambling organizations

No to Religious Freedom and Yes to Gambling? Really?

By | Georgia | No Comments

Religious Freedom Update

On Thursday, February 19, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard SB 129, the “Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act”. SB 129 is a straight forward bill that should easily have passed out of committee. However, three Republicans, led by Sen. Bill Cowsert, locked arms with two Democrats and voted to table the bill. Sen. Cowsert attempted to offer a “poison pill” amendment, and when his amendment did not get considered he voted in lockstep with the Democrats to table the bill.

The vote to table the religious freedom bill was politics at its worst, and we cannot allow the three Republican senators to get away with attempting to railroad religious freedom protections for Georgians. SB 129 is expected to be heard again in committee, and CWA of Georgia calls on the three Republican senators to vote in favor of SB 129 WITHOUT AMENDMENTS.

Action: Please contact the following people in this order:

1. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle – urge the Lt. Governor to allow SB 129 to go forward WITHOUT AMENDMENTS. Phone: 404-656-5030 / Online Contact/Email Form

Contact the three Republican senators who voted against religious freedom protections, and urge them to vote in favor of SB 129 WITHOUT AMENDMENTS.
2.Sen. Bill Coswert (R-Athens) – E-mail: [email protected] ; Phone: (404) 463-1366; Fax: (404) 657-9887

3. Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro) – E-mail: [email protected] ; Phone: (404) 463-1314; Fax: (404) 463-1381

4. Sen. John F. Kennedy (R-Macon) – E-mail: [email protected];  Phone: (404) 656-7454; Fax: (404) 651-5795

Is Gambling Heading to Georgia?

While religious freedom protections are being trampled, the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee will vote this Wednesday, February 25, on SR 135, a constitutional amendment to allow pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. This bill needs to be stopped in its “tracks”.  Please contact the members of the committee and urge them not to expand gambling in Georgia and to vote NO on SR 135. It is not in the best interest of this state.  Click here for the committee list and phone numbers.

Open letter to Senate – SR135 Horse Racing

Pray that the hearts of the senators be softened toward righteousness and that they seek God’s wisdom and guidance on the issues that greatly impact Georgians.