MGM Resorts International is proposing to build a $1 billion gambling complex in Downtown Atlanta, but will be facing some serious obstacles.
Reports from the Atlanta Journal Constitution noted that MGM has been scouting out Atlanta in recent months, however, the spokesperson said that the analysis are in "the very preliminary stages." Their plans reportedly include a luxury hotel and an entertainment venue in addition to a gaming floor.
MGM cannot build in Atlanta without legislative permission. However, the bill for the construction, a proposed by Economic Development Committee Chairman Ron Stephens, has not yet been passed by the State Congress but has gained popularity through the past week and may appear on the statewide ballot in November 2016.
Atlanta Curbed reported that proposals to build casino resorts in Georgia have failed in the past because casino gambling is illegal in the state. As a matter of fact, the proposals for casinos to be located in Underground and in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties have all been denied. However, Stephens hopes that support will grow, as MGM has reportedly hired 5 lobbyists to back the effort. To pass, the bill would require a two-thirds vote from legislators and a vote from the people of Georgia.
The lottery in Georgia funds education and should the proposal be passed, the new casino projects would benefit the HOPE Scholarship, which offers in state tuition to students attending public universities or technical colleges. Furthermore, 3,500 permanent jobs would be employed in the casinos.
According to the news reported by the Calvinayre, Governor Nathan Deal remains opposed to the said proposal. Chris Riley, spokesman of Deal, told that the Governor has expressed doubt that casino legislation would be approved while Deal is still in his position. The legislation needs to be passedbefore January 2019, which is said to be the date of the next governor's inauguration.
Deal may be opposed to the casino project, but it was reported that he isn't entirely anti-gambling, as he had approved online lottery sales and signed legislation to the effect back in 2012. It allows more coin-operated gambling machines across Georgia. It had also expanded its online palette from draw ticket sales to GTECH-powered "einstant' games, known as 'Diggi' Games, which was said to be the state's only authorized gaming operator, according to the report.
