Friday, November 14, 2003

Pitts wants casinos in Fulton

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
Special to The Citizen

What are the odds that casino gambling will finally make its way into the heart of Georgia?

Fulton County Commissioner Rob Pitts is betting that they are very good. Pitts was a key player in passing the resolution that brought the lottery to the state and intends to renew his advocacy for the legalization of casino gambling during the 2004 legislative session.

His research indicates that just two full gaming casinos in Fulton County would create over 4,000 jobs and generate $200 million for the county and its 10 munincipalities.

At present, the South has the lowest casion participation rate of any geographic region in the U.S. at 20 percent. Pitts asserts that bringing casinos to Fulton County will help revitalize Georgia's economy which lost 6,700 jobs in February of this year. In other states where casino gambling has helped to turn the tide of employment and halt the erosion of communities, the lure of Lady Luck has been their saving grace, he said

Citing Joliet, Ill. as a prime example, Pitts explains how Harrah's invested $120 million in a 40,000 square foot casino barge, 4 restaurants and a 204-room hotel to put 1,600 people in the area to work and on the fast track to financial security. Millions of dollars in capital improvements, educational development and law enforcement upgrades like the city’s new police station facilitated downtown development about 20 years sooner. The makeover of Joliet by Harrah's presence in the community recently garnered them a place as a finalist in the national All-American City Contest.

With the world's busiest airport in its back yard, Fulton County seems a natural for resort or "destination" casinos. Hosting business meetings and conventions make Atlanta a high profile area for entertainment options.

Gambling for fun and profit is something about a million Georgians look forward to every year. They mostly travel to North Carolina, Mississippi and, of course, Las Vegas to "let it ride."

If Commissioner Pitts has his way and Fulton County plays their cards right, the next big winner could be the state of Georgia.