Running for governor, former Atlanta mayor pitches casino revenue for education

April 13, 2026 - 05:01

With the 2026 gubernatorial race heating up, a prominent candidate is putting forward a bold and controversial economic proposal. Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is centering his campaign pitch on a plan to legalize casino gambling in Georgia, pledging to direct all state revenue from the venture directly into public education funding.

Reed argues that this initiative would create a substantial, recurring revenue stream for schools without raising taxes on Georgia residents. He frames the proposal as a pragmatic solution to long-standing educational funding challenges, suggesting it could support teacher pay raises, modernize facilities, and expand pre-kindergarten programs. The plan is positioned as a key differentiator in a crowded Democratic primary field.

The proposal is sure to spark intense debate. Opponents, including some within his own party, are expected to raise concerns about the social costs of expanded gambling. The plan would also require a significant legislative battle, needing a constitutional amendment approved by two-thirds of the Georgia General Assembly and a majority of voters in a statewide referendum. As the primary season advances, Reed’s casino-for-education platform will be a major point of discussion, testing voter appetite for alternative funding mechanisms in the state.