Ga. Senate approves video poker control measure

ATLANTA - The Georgia Senate has voted to approve a bill that would centralize control and enforcement of video poker machines in the state.

The Senate voted 35-16 Thursday to approve House Bill 487, which would transfer oversight and enforcement of video poker machines to the Georgia Lottery Corp.

Under the proposal, a share of the proceeds would be used to fund the state's HOPE scholarship program and the measure has earned Gov. Nathan Deal's support. The bill would require stores housing video poker machines to award vouchers for merchandise and not cash, tobacco or alcohol.

The house last week approved a version of the bill. The Senate will send the proposal back to the House to approve changes made in committee and on the floor.