Yesterday, Robert Wright Jr., an entrepreneur of Columbus, Georgia stated that he is interested in creating a resort casino in the south area of the city that would have a cost of $200 million, if the state decides to legalize gambling. Wright is set to speak to the Columbus Council today and is going to ask the members of the council to pass a referendum supporting legislation for casino gambling to be voted statewide.

If the matter were to be put up for a vote by the people, it would first have to be approved by the General Assembly. During the 2016 session of the House and Senate, there was seemingly no interest on the matter. In the Ledger-Enquirer, Wright stated that basically, all that is being asked for is to give the people of the state the right to vote on the matter. If legalization was provided, Wright would create a casino in his hometown of Columbus. Wright wants to invest in the area, spending $200 million on the resort and creating 500 to 1,000 new jobs in the process.

The referendum in question is one that was put forth by Councilors Evelyn Turner Pugh and Mimi Woodson, having been discussed last week during a council meeting. The referendum reads that the Columbus Consolidated Government is requesting the legislative delegation introduce and/or support legislation to authorize a referendum to allow Georgia citizens to vote as to whether they want to allow casino gaming in Georgia for the purpose of Hope Scholarship funding.

Additional individuals will be on hand today taking part in the addressing the council, including President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance Ralph Huling, plus Katonga Wright, Teddy Reese and Stacey Jackson, all attorneys in the area.