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We could soon be gambling in Gwinnett

April 25, 2012 | Filed under: Atlanta, GA,Lifestyle | Posted by: Eiskaffe

There is no need to travel out of town to get your risk fix and chance at fortune. Gwinnett may soon welcome its first gambling center. Don’t worry. It’s for a good cause.

The AJC reports that Norcross could soon be the new, fancy epicenter for gambling in the Atlanta metro. Dan O’Leary, widely known as the face behind the updated Atlanta Underground, has plans for opening a gaming complex in the area. Creating the gaming megaplex (which would include a theater, gaming center, and hotel) would cost about $1 billion.

Within its first fiscal year, O’Leary estimates that his facilities could help generate $350 million for the HOPE scholarship and the Georgia Pre-K program. In addition to money for students, the gaming center could pave the way for 2,500 permanent jobs.

Though a risk-based gaming center connected to a hotel sounds a lot like a casino, it isn’t a casino, vows O’Leary. The gambling would be via electronic VLTs (video lottery terminals) like a paperless versions of lottery tickets. These terminals will be maintained under the vigilant eye of the lottery board.

Governor Deal isn’t tickled by the notion. He has consistently opposed gaming in the state; the plans for the new center look too much like a casino for his comfort. Though he clearly understands that HOPE and Georgia Pre-K programs are running woefully short on funds, he believes that the state should seek another way to raise money instead of creating a casino in Atlanta.

Gambling is gambling, isn’t it? Whether it’s on paper or electronic, the second that you invest a bit of money with the hope (and no promise) of getting more money back, you’re gambling. HOPE is founded on gambling in more ways than one. What harm could increasing the revenue stream do?

What are your thoughts?

UPDATES:

Deal bashed the gambling facility but is still possible for the project to go before the Georgia Lottery Board without the green light from the governor.

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