Georgia Businessman Floats Riverboat Casino, Upstream Battle Stands in His Way

A businessman in Georgia wants to operate a riverboat casino
Georgia law currently bars most forms of gambling
Georgia lawmakers, however, have seemingly eased their opposition to gambling recently

A Georgia entrepreneur is eager to develop and manage a riverboat casino and events centre, but first, he must garner support from both state and local legislators.

Charles Craton, who has had a prosperous business career in Atlanta and Rome, Georgia, as noted on his LinkedIn profile, has an extensive background across diverse sectors, including promotional products, event merchandising, commercial real estate, consulting, and retail for over 40 years.

This serial entrepreneur is now venturing into the gaming sector—an area that could drastically alter the landscape of gambling in the Peach State.

Georgia is considered one of the least accommodating states for gambling in the US. At present, the state-run lottery and select forms of small charitable games are the only legal betting avenues available, as there are no commercial or tribal casinos, riverboats, parimutuel wagering, or sports betting permitted.

Craton aims to shift this narrative. When approached by Casino.org concerning the likelihood of legislative endorsement for casino gambling, Craton was optimistic, stating:

“Yes, I do believe the tide is beginning to turn in Georgia. Each year, we encounter new legislation that brings us closer to updating our gaming laws. Although nothing has been passed yet, the discourse has shifted from being politically sensitive to being freely discussed in Atlanta—by lawmakers and local leaders alike,” Craton remarked.

“Cities like Atlanta, Columbus, and Savannah are positioning themselves for lucrative opportunities if legislation comes to pass. My hope is that Rome won’t be overlooked. The Queen of the Coosa offers a distinctly Southern, historic vision—not merely a casino, but a comprehensive entertainment and tourism experience that honours our rivers while creating jobs without imposing a burden on taxpayers,” he added.

Riverboat Gaming Proposed

Craton, a resident on the banks of the Coosa River, has put forth an initial design for a permanently docked paddlewheel riverboat casino, which would feature an upscale dining establishment, a bar, a dance hall, and event space suitable for weddings, meetings, and concerts. His envisioned Rome Riverboat Casino—or the Queen of Coosa—intends to create local employment opportunities, boost tourism, and generate new tax revenue.

In conversation with Coosa Valley News, Craton expressed that the state and city have not effectively leveraged Georgia’s abundant natural resources, particularly its rivers.

“Our city is blessed with three converging rivers, yet we have done so little to optimise their potential. The Queen of the Coosa would celebrate our heritage and offer something truly unique to Georgia and the Southeast,” Craton declared.

Moreover, Craton has committed to fully finance the venture without tapping into taxpayer funds.

“The intention is to create a venture that generates new tax revenue for the city—the type that can fund pothole repairs, enhance infrastructure, and support parks,” he stated on Facebook.

According to Craton, the local government’s revenue predominantly comes from sales and property taxes. For heightening funding for infrastructure or other municipal services, the feasible solution is either elevating property taxes or initiating new economic projects similar to his proposal.

Upstream Battle?

Despite serious legislative discussions in Atlanta to lift the state’s longstanding ban on casino gambling, the Georgia General Assembly has yet to send a gaming bill to the governor or propose a statewide constitutional amendment for new gambling initiatives.

For Craton’s vision to materialise, the General Assembly would need to pass a bill with a two-thirds majority to set off a statewide ballot referendum to amend the Georgia Constitution. The electorate would only need a simple majority to adjust the foundational law to permit riverboat gambling.

Georgia lacks provision for citizen-initiated ballot referendums, and the governor is prohibited from vetoing the legislative acts that propose amendments to the state Constitution via ballot referendums.

Key Takeaways

Georgia remains one of the least accommodating states for gambling in the US.
Charles Craton’s proposed initiative aims to change the status quo by creating a riverboat casino.
Support from state legislation is crucial for the initiative to proceed.
The project promises local job creation and enhanced tourism without taxpayer funding.

In summary, the ambitious proposal from Charles Craton to establish a riverboat casino in Georgia illustrates a growing willingness among some lawmakers to reconsider the state’s strict gambling laws. If successful, this initiative may not only inject economic stimulus into the region but also open the door for future legislative advancements in the broader context of gaming across the Peach State.