PERRY – Ways to tap into markets that would bring even more people and revenue to the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter were discussed during a work session held by the Georgia Agricultural and Exposition Authority Wednesday.

Near the end of the session, Rep. Lynmore James, a member of the Legislative Overview Committee for the Agricenter, brought up a suggestion that has been discussed in years past … parimutuel betting.

As members talked about the increasing popularity of equine events and what could be done with approximately 841 acres of property acquired by the agricenter, James brought up the subject of betting on equine racing.

James, who represents District 114 which includes parts of Dooly, Macon, Peach and Taylor counties, added that he thinks when this might happen depends on when a “particular governor comes into office.”

This type of event could do “wonders for Georgia” economically, James said.

Felton Jenkins, member of the Authority, which oversees operations for the agricenter, said he was glad James brought up the subject of parimutuel betting.

Jenkins said he believes this is something we will see in Georgia in the next two to three years.

If handled properly, parimutuel betting could be a good thing for the state, Jenkins added.

He noted that the horse industry is growing in such a way as to dwarf other agricultural activities.

Charlie Smith, a visiting consultant, told the group he would suggest they pay visits to locations that host such equine events, such as Lexington, Ky.

In other business, financial officer Ron Goldsby predicted that in a couple of years funding ratio for the facility will be about 80 percent self-generated and 20 percent state funds.

These numbers are impressive, he said, as the agricenter moves toward generating more and more revenue from various events.