atlhawks1 Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) Casinos WILL be coming to Georgia. The latest news is that its got MAJOR traction to happening. MGM is working behind the scenes with the Georgia World Congress Center. MGM has been scouting various locations thru out Atlanta for its new gambling resort. Locations have included the Georgia Dome ( The Falcons oppose that location, wanna use it for parking and tailgating), Turner Field ( FOUR casino companies are scouting that location ), and the Gulch, across the street from Phillips Arena. The ANGLE im seeing is the possibility that if Ressler moves the location of the Hawks new arena ( I dont see him refurbishing Phillips), then MGM could swoop in and and be right NEXT to the convention center. The angle they are using is to stay close to the convention center and get that traffic into the gambling resort. Its a small footprint for what MGM wants to do, UNLESS, they use that space AND the Gulch together. I can see them having the city of Atlanta tear down that road and bridge that crosses in front of Phillips to accomodate that. The Gulch looking towards Phillips arena: sino and entertainment giant MGM Resorts International is pitching a $1 billion gambling complex for downtown Atlanta that backers say would funnel tens of millions of dollars into the HOPE scholarship. But first it would have to overcome stiff opposition in the General Assembly and the governor’s office. MGM’s proposal would create 3,500 jobs and offer Las Vegas-style casino gambling, as opposed to past ideas involving video slot machines, said state Rep. Ron Stephens, who chairs the House’s economic development committee. He called it the “Cadillac” of casino projects. “I’ve seen what they want to do, and it’s going to blow your mind,” said Stephens, R-Savannah. “It’s massive in its size and its elegance. This is a game-changer. I’m looking for a win-win-win and this is it.” An MGM Resorts spokesman confirmed the company’s interest in Atlanta but said its analysis in “the very preliminary stages.” The company started scouting Atlanta in recent months. The project would include a luxury hotel, entertainment venue, a gaming floor and other amenities. Edited July 28, 2015 by atlhawks1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Diesel Posted July 28, 2015 Premium Member Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I didn't know that gambling was legal in GA, however, if they put a percentage in to the Hope Scholarship, it's no different than the lottery. Tourism would be way up. I would think Turner field would be a great place, however, if you could put a large Hotel next to the GCC/ Falcons dome and put the new Basketball arena somewhere close to that, then you will have revenue out the waahzoo. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlhawks1 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I didn't know that gambling was legal in GA, however, if they put a percentage in to the Hope Scholarship, it's no different than the lottery. Tourism would be way up. I would think Turner field would be a great place, however, if you could put a large Hotel next to the GCC/ Falcons dome and put the new Basketball arena somewhere close to that, then you will have revenue out the waahzoo. Thats the angle that MGM is looking at. Thats why the NBA and the gambling industry wants a team in Vegas. They want the sports crowd to be able to be able to go to the Casino and the games. Gambling is not legal in Georgia yet, but it appears that its about to change. Thats why MGM is pushing this hard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATLSmith Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Damn. There goes my parking spot. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Wait a minute, you telling me that the "urban" population of Atlanta will support casinos? :saythat: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dejay Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 I've stated as much in my last post regarding this topic and fully believe that the seeds are being planted as we speak. Contrary to what you hear on the news about the long odds of it happening, the higher ups at that gold dome downtown are tired of watching that juicy gambling $$$ (and the taxes derived from it) getting spent everywhere else in the southeast EXCEPT here. The casino folks are just waiting out on the last remnants of that anti-gambling core to step aside (see Deal, Nathan) so they can bust through. They know full well that the state would literally do ANYTHING to avoid another recession-level hit to the coffers. And with so many folks here being tax-averse to the nth degree (remember that TSPLOST vote awhile back?), it will be a much easier sell to the next governor with the foresight to see what could be funded without having to put his job on the line come election time by asking for tax hikes. For goodness sakes, we have south Georgia Republicans pushing for casino gambling now. Years ago, that would've been political suicide. Let's be really honest here; whether we like it or not, if gambling was ever put to a state-wide referendum, it would pass in seconds. Now don't get me wrong; I don't think that legalizing gambling is a silver bullet by any stretch. But at the same time, I fully believe in opening up all of the avenues you can in order to create revenue streams, so long as you're not infringing on the rights and property of others without consent and/or just compensation. Anyway, while I think that a renovation could happen at Philips, the mayor played his Civic Center card early for a reason. He'd love nothing more than to dump that albatross off the books and appease the Hawks' new owners with one swift stroke. At the same time, I seriously doubt that he's going to wait an eternity for GDOT to finally move on the gulch project so he's going to give them a little motivation to do so. In other words, if you don't think that he hasn't been in conversation with the folks at MGM, if not several other casino developers, I have some swampland in Florida I'd love to sell to you at a discount. Any sort of legit gambling spot in that area would print $$$ with the foot traffic generated from all of those attractions; much more so than at Turner Field, where GSU should get after the Braves move in 2017. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlhawks1 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) I've stated as much in my last post regarding this topic and fully believe that the seeds are being planted as we speak. Contrary to what you hear on the news about the long odds of it happening, the higher ups at that gold dome downtown are tired of watching that juicy gambling $$$ (and the taxes derived from it) getting spent everywhere else in the southeast EXCEPT here. The casino folks are just waiting out on the last remnants of that anti-gambling core to step aside (see Deal, Nathan) so they can bust through. They know full well that the state would literally do ANYTHING to avoid another recession-level hit to the coffers. And with so many folks here being tax-averse to the nth degree (remember that TSPLOST vote awhile back?), it will be a much easier sell to the next governor with the foresight to see what could be funded without having to put his job on the line come election time by asking for tax hikes. For goodness sakes, we have south Georgia Republicans pushing for casino gambling now. Years ago, that would've been political suicide. Let's be really honest here; whether we like it or not, if gambling was ever put to a state-wide referendum, it would pass in seconds. Now don't get me wrong; I don't think that legalizing gambling is a silver bullet by any stretch. But at the same time, I fully believe in opening up all of the avenues you can in order to create revenue streams, so long as you're not infringing on the rights and property of others without consent and/or just compensation. Anyway, while I think that a renovation could happen at Philips, the mayor played his Civic Center card early for a reason. He'd love nothing more than to dump that albatross off the books and appease the Hawks' new owners with one swift stroke. At the same time, I seriously doubt that he's going to wait an eternity for GDOT to finally move on the gulch project so he's going to give them a little motivation to do so. In other words, if you don't think that he hasn't been in conversation with the folks at MGM, if not several other casino developers, I have some swampland in Florida I'd love to sell to you at a discount. Any sort of legit gambling spot in that area would print $$$ with the foot traffic generated from all of those attractions; much more so than at Turner Field, where GSU should get after the Braves move in 2017. Exactly. You are in line with what i see happening also. They are making early moves to get the Hawks up out of that area, so that MGM can put that casino resort right next to the Georgia World Congress Center. The fact that Ressler wants a new arena is the cherry on the top for all parties involved. Heck, it wouldnt surprise me that the REAL reason his group was chosen over others, is the fact that Atlanta wants MGM at the Phillips arena spot, and Ressler WANTS to move the Hawks from that area. I bet the "renovating" Phillips is the fallback in case MGM builds elsewhere in Atlanta. Once that casino goes up, its a WRAP for Mississippi, Carolina, etc. all those other destinations that people have been going to. Once that casino goes up, Atlanta is gonna REALLY boom......... Edited July 28, 2015 by atlhawks1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrReality Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 This is the Bible Belt but....... The almighty dollar will win out eventually. Probably the same with marihuana sales too because of the revenue it'll bring the state. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlhawks1 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 The new MGM thats under construction in Maryland..................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazer Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) Casino right on the doorstep of Centennial Park adjacent to the new Falcons Stadium and GWCC, and a brand new Hawks arena on the edge of O4W/Downtown on the abandoned Civic Center sight, is a huge win for everyone... Edited July 28, 2015 by hazer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlhawks1 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) I've stated as much in my last post regarding this topic and fully believe that the seeds are being planted as we speak. Contrary to what you hear on the news about the long odds of it happening, the higher ups at that gold dome downtown are tired of watching that juicy gambling $$$ (and the taxes derived from it) getting spent everywhere else in the southeast EXCEPT here. The casino folks are just waiting out on the last remnants of that anti-gambling core to step aside (see Deal, Nathan) so they can bust through. They know full well that the state would literally do ANYTHING to avoid another recession-level hit to the coffers. And with so many folks here being tax-averse to the nth degree (remember that TSPLOST vote awhile back?), it will be a much easier sell to the next governor with the foresight to see what could be funded without having to put his job on the line come election time by asking for tax hikes. For goodness sakes, we have south Georgia Republicans pushing for casino gambling now. Years ago, that would've been political suicide. Let's be really honest here; whether we like it or not, if gambling was ever put to a state-wide referendum, it would pass in seconds. Now don't get me wrong; I don't think that legalizing gambling is a silver bullet by any stretch. But at the same time, I fully believe in opening up all of the avenues you can in order to create revenue streams, so long as you're not infringing on the rights and property of others without consent and/or just compensation. Anyway, while I think that a renovation could happen at Philips, the mayor played his Civic Center card early for a reason. He'd love nothing more than to dump that albatross off the books and appease the Hawks' new owners with one swift stroke. At the same time, I seriously doubt that he's going to wait an eternity for GDOT to finally move on the gulch project so he's going to give them a little motivation to do so. In other words, if you don't think that he hasn't been in conversation with the folks at MGM, if not several other casino developers, I have some swampland in Florida I'd love to sell to you at a discount. Any sort of legit gambling spot in that area would print $$$ with the foot traffic generated from all of those attractions; much more so than at Turner Field, where GSU should get after the Braves move in 2017. Reed is covering his butt by publicly stating he is against casinos, but is talking to EVERYBODY about building one.........lmao...... http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/blog/capitol_vision/2015/07/downtown-atlanta-drawing-more-feelers-from-casino.html Three major casino gaming companies have joined MGM Resorts International in expressing interest in building a casino resort in downtown Atlanta, Mayor Kasim Reed said Thursday. But Reed has some of the same reservations about plopping a casino in the middle of Georgia’s capital as have already been expressed by Gov. Nathan Deal. “I believe Las Vegas is in Las Vegas for a reason,” Reed told reporters during a news conference at Atlanta City Hall. “[but] it would be fiscal malpractice ... not to hear these people out.” Edited July 28, 2015 by atlhawks1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJlaysitup Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) Every time I hear about a Casino in downtown ATL I can't help but think of Biff's Casino in BttF2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4m848bh1iY Edited July 28, 2015 by DJlaysitup Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJlaysitup Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 If Reed loses the Braves but gains a Casino he may end up winning in a lot of people's eyes. $$-wise, lots of people ride the casino provided bus up to Cherokee and gamble anyway, why not keep the money in Georgia? Heck we already got the fireworks legal and we can buy beer on Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicholasp27 Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Bring it on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dejay Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 It's coming. The sole contingency standing in the way are the folks who still want the state to be run like Mayberry, RFD. They still bristle at the thought that alcohol can be sold on Sundays now. And deep down, they know that their sphere of influence is fading away. They don't ever want this put to a vote because they KNOW what the result would be. A casino within meters of the GWCC? Are you kidding me? Downtown would change overnight. And the property values in that area would hit the roof as everyone with a developer's license would storm City Hall to build new hotels, restaurants, shops, plazas, and then some. Think those folks hanging around Five Points and Underground right now would still be there with more cops and security being added? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlhawks1 Posted July 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 (edited) It's coming. The sole contingency standing in the way are the folks who still want the state to be run like Mayberry, RFD. They still bristle at the thought that alcohol can be sold on Sundays now. And deep down, they know that their sphere of influence is fading away. They don't ever want this put to a vote because they KNOW what the result would be. A casino within meters of the GWCC? Are you kidding me? Downtown would change overnight. And the property values in that area would hit the roof as everyone with a developer's license would storm City Hall to build new hotels, restaurants, shops, plazas, and then some. Think those folks hanging around Five Points and Underground right now would still be there with more cops and security being added? Exactly. Atlanta is STILL one of the fastest growing cities in America. You put a Casino, in Atlanta, its a WRAP.................You combine a Casino, with the fastest growing movie and television industry, suddenly, Atlanta would be the number one destination for people with money ( entertainers, business people, athletes, etc.) Lets be real. The MAJOR attraction of Vegas for rich people, is to be SEEN out and about, gambling. Bring THAT to Atlanta, with the swag Atlanta has with strip clubs, etc. its a MAJOR wrap...................lmao Barkley could WALK from TNT studios, to MGM................. Edited July 28, 2015 by atlhawks1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Watchman Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 The MGM Gulch Casino & Resort - Come enjoy a multitude of Casino gaming options and enjoy the beautiful view of the railroad gulch, winos and parking decks!!! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJlaysitup Posted July 28, 2015 Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 The MGM Gulch Casino & Resort - Come enjoy a multitude of Casino gaming options and enjoy the beautiful view of the railroad gulch, winos and parking decks!!! Haha!...I wonder if the guys from "Pawn Stars" will open up a satellite location in downtown Atlanta? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators lethalweapon3 Posted July 28, 2015 Moderators Report Share Posted July 28, 2015 Barkley could WALK from TNT studios, to MGM................. "Gawd, I LOVE coming down here to watch the Hawks play..." ~lw3 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2015 Report Share Posted July 29, 2015 "Gawd, I LOVE coming down here to watch the Hawks play..." ~lw3 Oh, please. It'd be more like, "Huh, the Hawks play here too?!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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