Business Owner Proposes Riverboat Gambling Venture in Georgia

In the state of Georgia, the landscape for gambling expansion remains unfavorable, with no legal framework for casinos or online gambling, and the lottery serving as the sole gambling option. However, a new proposed riverboat casino in the northwest city of Rome has piqued interest, albeit from an unusual source – semi-retired businessman Charles Craton.

This proposed three-story riverboat, to be dubbed the "Queen of the Coosa," would be docked permanently at the intersection of the Oostanaula, Etowah, and Coosa Rivers in Rome. It would provide cruises on the Coosa River when river conditions permit, according to Craton's vision. He believes this project would celebrate the city's heritage, create jobs, contribute to the tax base, and offer an unique attraction to Georgia and the Southeast.

A key challenge for this endeavor is the need for casino gambling to be legalized in Georgia. This would necessitate a constitutional amendment, which requires the passage of a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the state legislature followed by approval from Georgia voters with a simple majority. Additionally, the City of Rome, Floyd County Commission, and Georgia General Assembly would all have to approve the Queen of the Coosa plan.

At present, the state's legislative process is not inclined towards casino gambling expansion. Opposition from both the public and lawmakers persists, making it difficult to pass relevant legislation. Furthermore, neighboring states with legal gambling may hinder Georgia's decision-making process, as residents may opt to gamble in other states.

The city of Rome is unlikely to be a high priority for casino location, with Atlanta and nearby areas being more desirable. Craton urges support for his project to keep it at the forefront of decision-makers’ minds.

This proposed riverboat casino, like any casinos in Georgia, faces significant legal and legislative hurdles. Its success will likely depend on broader efforts to legalize casino gambling in the state.

In 2025, if the Queen of the Coosa riverboat casino in Rome, Georgia, is to become a reality, it will require a constitutional amendment to legalize casino gambling within the state. This would necessitate the approval of a two-thirds majority in both state legislature chambers and a simple majority from Georgia voters.

Support for the Queen of the Coosa project is essential to keep it a priority in decision-makers' minds, considering Atlanta and surrounding areas as more desirable locations for casino establishments.

Given the current unfavorable landscape for gambling expansion in Georgia, with no legal framework for casinos or online gambling, the state's legislative process may prove challenging for the riverboat casino-and-gambling vision.

Opposition from both the public and lawmakers, as well as the competition from neighboring states with legal gambling, may make it difficult to pass relevant legislation for casino-culture development in Georgia.