Sen. Don Cheeks, D-Augusta, recommended to the Augusta legislative delegation Thursday that it heed a resolution by the Augusta Commission and prohibit the machines. He said three other state delegations are considering the same local move.

Coin-operated machines that allow players to gamble on the outcome of video games are legal under current state law as long as no cash prizes are awarded. But in July alone, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation task force confiscated more than 100 machines allegedly used in granting illegal prizes.

During the regular session of the General Assembly last winter, a bill outlawing the machines statewide was still being debated when time for the session expired. Mr. Cheeks said he wants to introduce the same wording in a local bill that would apply only to Richmond County because it was favored by District Attorney Danny Craig.

Rep. Ben Allen, D-Augusta, said he wasn't sure he could vote for that version because he hasn't read it. He also worried that such a local prohibition might not be permissible.

''I would have to see whether or not we can do what you want to do constitutionally,'' Mr. Allen said.

But the state constitution does allow it, according to Sen. Mike Beatty, the author of the wording in the statewide bill. The Office of Legislative Counsel has researched just that approach, said the Jefferson Republican.

The statewide bill can't be voted on during the current special session because Gov. Roy Barnes didn't include it in his call.

But local bills, like the one Mr. Cheeks proposes, are allowed during called sessions.

The delegation also discussed industrial recruitment during Thursday's session. Those present signed a pledge to buy tickets on Continental Airlines over the next year if it begins service to Augusta.

Reach Walter C. Jones at (404) 589-8424 or mnews@mindspring.com.