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Georgians say they're ready to gamble and would support legislation to do so

Exclusive polling shows the majority of state voters support legalized casino gambling. 11Alive talked with the man who wants to build a billion dollar casino.

HAMPTON, Ga. — Georgia voters said they're ready for a gamble. In an exclusive 11Alive Poll conducted by SurveyUSA, the majority of likely voters said they support legalizing casino gambling in the state.

11Alive sat down exclusively with the man who wants to build $1billion casino 30 miles south of Atlanta.

"We have hundreds of thousands of people who are already [at the speedway] each year," said Ed Clark, President of the Atlanta Motor Speedway. 

"The resort would compliment our events and what we do."

Last month, AMS released a proposal to build a casino, hotel, condos, even a water park. The $1 billion development would create hundreds of jobs, according to Clark.

RELATED: This is what a proposed $1B casino, entertainment complex could look like at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Of course, the state legislature would have to change state laws. One idea being kicked around, according to experts, is to pass a new amendment to the state constitution.That would require Georgia voters to get involved at the ballot box. 

Exclusively polling for 11Alive shows nearly 60 percent of Georgia voters would vote to support such legislation.

"I feel right now, based on the comments I've gotten, there's a large majority that would be in favor of this," said Clark.

A mile away from the speedway, at the Oak Hollow Subdivision, neighbors are excited about the idea.

"I'm thinking about the revenue it'll bring into the city of Hampton. I have no issues with it," said Jennifer Morgan.

RELATED: Georgia lawmakers start statewide gambling growth meetings

"Of course to keep the tax dollars here in Atlanta, instead of going on the freeway over to Alabama and giving them all our tax dollars," said JJ Fox.

Some neighbors say they look forward to keeping their money in the state.

"I think it's a good idea. Because I go to the casinos down in south Florida," Linda Gibbons said, "I wish they would bring it here."

RELATED: 11Alive Poll: Georgians divided on 'heartbeat' abortion law, support legalizing casino gambling

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