Underground Atlanta Casino Plan Outlined To Lottery Board

Facing heavy odds in his quest to bring a casino to Underground Atlanta, developer Dan O'Leary showed up on Thursday prepared to present his proposal to the board's Finance Committee. whether the presentation was effective remains to be seen.

Just because O'Leary was able to offer his proposal does not mean that anyone who makes the decisions were swayed. It is standard procedure for anyone who has ideas to bring them before the board.

"People bring proposals to us all the time," said Chairman Tony Campbell, "and we evaluate them." The goal of these meetings is to find additional sources of lottery revenues, and O'Leary believes the casino at Underground Atlanta would be a big revenue booster.

Delaware-based Dover Downs Entertainment Inc. has joined forces with O'Leary and fellow Underground Atlanta developer John Aderhold to attempt to bring a $500 million hotel, casino and entertainment complex to the area.

Underground Atlanta has been struggling in recent years due to the economy and other factors. The commercial area used to be a big revenue generator in Georgia, but needs a face lift to revive business. The casino has been offered as part of the revival.

If approved, the casino would have Video Lottery Terminals that would be controlled by the state lottery. It would be an innovative way to bring the lottery, mainly scratch off tickets, more mainstream. The board, however, has not been fond of the idea of converting Underground Atlanta into a gambling haven.

April 30, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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