Underground Atlanta gets casino offer
January 13, 2009 at 6:49 pm by Scott Henry in NewsFolks have long talked about the possibility of gambling at Underground Atlanta, often from the standpoint that legalized gaming may be the only way to make the city-subsidized white-elephant finally solvent and to revive lower downtown. Fulton Commissioner Robb Pitts has kept the issue in the public with frequent pro-gambling statements. And, as recently as mid-November, Mayor Shirley Franklin told state lawmakers she would be willing to explore gambling licenses as a way to generate revenue for the city.
Well, it looks as if some developer has finally taken the bait. The AJC reports that Underground operator Dan O’Leary has announced that a company is interested in filling the near-dormant mall with 5,000 video slot machines and building a new high-rise hotel onsite.
The project would cost about $450 million and would be expected to generate $600 million in gross annual revenue, half of which might go to the Georgia Lottery Board. Is it a coincidence that the lottery board would have a large role in deciding whether the proposal goes forward?
Actually, the legal hurdles to installing a casino in Underground are not that high. The site is already designated by state law as Georgia’s only “special entertainment district,” which means that many legal restrictions that apply everywhere else — Sunday alcohol sales, for instance — don’t apply there. The city doesn’t have the authority to license a casino without state approval, but surprisingly few laws would need to be changed to make it happen.
If there’s the will, there’s definitely a way.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
I frequent Underground, simply because I still like it, through all its troubles, I live downtown and I dig the dollar (or used to be) store for sundries, and African Pride..plus the food court.
The stores further down the street to the Detention Center are also good for certain shoppers…if you can carry off a really GREAT hat, unique shoes..or simply have a need to get your nails done or hair braided.
Let’s face it, we need money and a Casino….OK…but I would not go for slot machines I would do it right…examples the casino in Auckland, NZ, casionos in the Caribbean, notably upscale Jolly Harbour in Antigua..
Rouse meant well, but I don’t think they understood Atlanta, or a place without a water front.
Have a casino really upscale visit want to visit and possibly convention center rooms…it is so near GA State, that doesn’t have bars…Lets keep some of that Bioloxi and Las Vegas money here.
January 25th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Casino’s are always a good source of money for both the general public and also the owners themselves.
Some ‘punters’ know how to make good money from casino’s (the have the secret formula) others loose money.
check out http://www.ihmb.co.uk for free reviews on casino systems.