Ga. Lottery Board Chair: Gambling Extension Unlikely to Move Forward Without State Leaders’ Support
A Georgia developer went before the state Lottery Board Thursday to pitch a controversial $1 billion dollar gambling complex proposed near I-85 and Jimmy Carter Boulevard in Gwinnett County. But it appears the developer’s battle to build the project just got more difficult.
The project would include a hotel, a performing arts venue, dining and 7,500 video lottery terminals. Developer Dan O’Leary says if built it could bring in $350 million dollars a year for the HOPE scholarship program.
“I have brought a project which will save the HOPE scholarship for the state of Georgia. I have brought a project that will employ 2,500 people immediately the day it opens. I have brought a project that will employ 1,000 construction workers.”
O’Leary says as a result of several decisions by the Georgia Attorney General, the project needs the approval of the Georgia Lottery Board but not the state legislature. But the project will have to overcome a significant hurdle. Georgia Lottery Board ChairmanJames Braswell says even if the board has the power to act on its own it doesn’t plan to without the support of the Governor or the state legislature.
“We believe it’s a public policy decision that a seven member appointed board should not unilaterally decide on its own.”
Governor Deal has expressed opposition to expanding gaming in the state and legislative efforts to back the project stalled during this year’s legislative session.
O’Leary says he has financing lined up and an arrangement with Delaware casino company Dover Downs to develop the project.
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