Georgia Businessman Floats Riverboat Casino, Upstream Battle Stands in His Way
Posted on: May 27, 2025, 07:50h.
Last updated on: May 28, 2025, 06:54h.
- 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 businessman wants to develop and operate a riverboat casino and events center, but for that to happen, he first needs the support of state and local lawmakers.
Charles Craton has enjoyed a successful business career in Atlanta and Rome, Ga. According to his LinkedIn profile, Craton has been a prominent figure in various industries, including promotional products, event merchandising, commercial real estate, consulting, and retail, for over 40 years.
The serial entrepreneur is seeking entry into another industry — one that would forever change the makeup of the Peach State.
Georgia is among the least friendly gambling states in the country. The state-run lottery and certain forms of small charitable games of chance are the only permissible forms of betting, as the state has no commercial or tribal casinos, riverboats, parimutuel wagering, racinos, iGaming, or sports betting.
Craton wants to change that. When asked by Casino.org if he thinks lawmakers are nearing closer to getting on board with casino gambling, Craton answered:
Yes, I do believe the tide is beginning to turn in Georgia. Every year, we see legislation introduced that edges us closer to modernizing our gaming laws. While it hasn’t passed yet, the conversation has shifted. What was once considered politically untouchable is now being openly debated in Atlanta — not just by legislators, but by city leaders across the state,” Carton told us.
“Atlanta, Columbus, and Savannah are already lining up for opportunities if legislation passes. My hope is that Rome won’t be left behind. The Queen of the Coosa offers a uniquely Southern, historically grounded vision — not just a casino, but a full entertainment and tourism experience that celebrates our rivers and creates jobs without burdening taxpayers,” Craton added.
Riverboat Gaming Proposed
Craton, a Rome resident whose home sits on the Coosa River, has presented an early concept for a permanently docked paddlewheel riverboat casino with an upscale restaurant and bar, a dance hall, and an event space that could host weddings, meetings, and concerts. Craton’s Rome Riverboat Casino, or the Queen of Coosa, would create local jobs, generate new tax revenue, and boost tourism, the project’s website states.
Speaking with Coosa Valley News, Craton said the state and city have largely failed to take advantage of Georgia’s many natural resources, chiefly its rivers.
“We have three rivers converging in our city, and yet we’ve done so little to activate them. The Queen of the Coosa would celebrate our heritage … and offer something truly unique to Georgia and the Southeast,” Craton said.
Craton has pledged to fully finance the initiative without a single taxpayer dollar.
The goal is to create something that actually generates new tax revenue for the city — the kind of revenue that could help fix potholes, improve roads, fund parks, and more,” Craton wrote on Facebook.
The businessman says the local government is predominantly funded through sales and property taxes. If residents wish to see more funds allocated for infrastructure or other government services and projects, the only possible remedy is increased property taxes or new economic projects like the one he has offered.
Upstream Battle?
Though more serious legislative discussions in the Atlanta capital about ending the state’s longtime prohibition of casino gambling have been held in recent years, the Georgia General Assembly has yet to move a gaming bill to the governor’s desk or initiate a statewide amendment to the state Constitution to allow new forms of gambling.
For Craton’s riverboat dreams to come true, the General Assembly would need to pass a bill with two-thirds majority support to initiate a statewide ballot referendum to amend the Georgia Constitution. Only a simple majority of the electorate would be needed to adjust the state’s founding framework to allow riverboat gambling.
Georgia doesn’t allow for citizen-initiated ballot referendums and the governor is barred from vetoing acts of the legislature to propose amendments to the state Constitution through ballot referendums.
Last Comments ( 6 )
Good for Craton, hope this happens.
I think this would be great for Rome, since we have nothing to do in this town.
Floyd Farless you need to learn to read. It says it will be permanently locked and you can't go from Rome to Gadsden there are no locks at Lake Weiss
This would be great for Rome. I lived in San Antonio. Their river walk brings people onto town. Don't give up.
The cost for such a craft would be very high to say the least. The Idea of travel to Gadsden and back during a cruise would require repair of the Mayo locks. PCBs again anyone ?
You can do it!