Real Proposal for a Casino at Underground Atlanta (Dunwoody, Franklin: casinos, living) - Georgia (GA) - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

tonygeorgia · 01-14-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blondandfun

Playing video poker and slots isn't exactly my idea of Saturday night entertainment and isn't going to foster social connections.

Me either, I dont smoke either but companies are making BILLIONS of dollars because of it. Its a LARGE market for this in Atlanta. If they have some penny machines I might try my luck with 30 cents per month but thats about it

Hopefully this will help bring back alcohol sales on Sunday

JPD · 01-14-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe2000

SOB= Streets of Buckhead (Atl version of Rodeo Dr) www.streetsofbuckhead.com

MM=Midtown Mile

Thanks, I thought you were referring to something in the Underground area.

atlantagreg30127 · 01-14-2009, 07:34 AM

Some more specifics came out with newer articles, and not all of it is good now that I've read it all.

They would actually NOT have video slots and video poker at this casino - the machines would be "video lottery" machines, which would basically be scratch-off tickets on a video game type machine that you "scratch off" virtually. Most likely the Keno game would be tied into it too. That's it.

In that case, no, I would never visit this place. I like video slots, and would take a trip or two in order to check it out. But to venture to Five Points just to virtually scratch off tickets on a video terminal? Um - no. Now, I'd still support the idea of the facility just from the standpoint that it's something that can potentially jump-start a revitalization and clean-up of the Five Points area. I'm sure tourists would still stop there - maybe some downtown workers at lunch, etc. It just won't draw suburbanites to it in the same way the original re-opening of Underground did. Still, ANYTHING they do down there is better than nothing.

tonygeorgia · 01-14-2009, 07:45 AM

Underground Atlanta rolling dice on casino - Atlanta Business Chronicle:

"The leaseholders of city-supported Underground and Delaware horse track and casino company Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: DDE) plan to launch gaming via video lottery terminals (VLTs) at the struggling downtown entertainment center, said O'Leary, who along with Aderhold holds a 50-year lease in Underground."

"The first phase of the project includes a $50 million overhaul of the existing Underground that O’Leary said could be completed in 12 months. O'Leary said the master plan calls for a second phase that would have a $450 million hotel, arenas for Las Vegas-style shows and concerts and up to 5,000 gaming terminals."

"O’Leary estimates the lottery could generate $150 million a year for HOPE and state-run Pre-K programs in the casino’s first phase. A second phase, which would include a $450 million 29-story hotel and entertainment complex, could generate $300 million annually for lottery-funded programs."

RoslynHolcomb · 01-14-2009, 07:51 AM

Too bad they can't do a real casino type thing. I don't care for gambling, but I do enjoy the shows in Vegas. My sister goes to Vegas several times a year because she likes to play blackjack. My husband enjoys poker in a casino as well. I can't imagine either being interested in playing machines, though.

tonygeorgia · 01-14-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoslynHolcomb

Too bad they can't do a real casino type thing. I don't care for gambling, but I do enjoy the shows in Vegas. My sister goes to Vegas several times a year because she likes to play blackjack. My husband enjoys poker in a casino as well. I can't imagine either being interested in playing machines, though.

Give it time. You cant expect things to change overnight. IMO, its all about getting your foot in the door. As long as the first casino does well you should be able to expect "better" casinos in the future.

This damn sure is better than keeping the underground open.

atlantaATL · 01-14-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe2000

This would be nice. For the people who want a Vegas style casino, we have to start from somewhere and this is a great start. This would be largest and similiar to Dover Downs in Delaware. Check out this article on how this casino has helped their town. Slot machines save day at Dover Downs in Delaware (http://news.mainetoday.com/indepth/gambling/031005dover.shtml - broken link)

This would work. They would need to redevelop the area south of the underground. Close all those cell phone and hip hop clothing stores down! This will be a great for Peachtree St to start here and run down to the SOB. The casino plus the new museums, SIB, MM, etc would make living intown great!

I wouldnt say clothes them all down because alot of the places sale High end urban clothing ANd they have banging shoes And a retail district wouldnt be right if it didnt cater to everyones need especially in a downtown atmosphere I wouldnt want to tear all them down

tonygeorgia · 01-14-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Some more specifics came out with newer articles, and not all of it is good now that I've read it all.

They would actually NOT have video slots and video poker at this casino - the machines would be "video lottery" machines, which would basically be scratch-off tickets on a video game type machine that you "scratch off" virtually. Most likely the Keno game would be tied into it too. That's it.

In that case, no, I would never visit this place. I like video slots, and would take a trip or two in order to check it out. But to venture to Five Points just to virtually scratch off tickets on a video terminal? Um - no. Now, I'd still support the idea of the facility just from the standpoint that it's something that can potentially jump-start a revitalization and clean-up of the Five Points area. I'm sure tourists would still stop there - maybe some downtown workers at lunch, etc. It just won't draw suburbanites to it in the same way the original re-opening of Underground did. Still, ANYTHING they do down there is better than nothing.

I read the article that you are talking about. I think they will have normal VLT machines just like they have everywhere else. I think whoever wrote that article didn't fully understand what they were talking about. Check out the stats on Dover Downs Casino (DDC) in Delaware. Look at how much money they are bringing in with the same type of facility. The Atl version is actually a lot bigger. DDC has around 3500 machines and is 165k square feet. The Atl version will have 5000 machines and it will be around 225k square feet. I the same as you, I dont gamble but there is a BIG market for VLT machine gambling.

grindin · 01-14-2009, 08:33 AM

Well something needs to be done, so hopefully this is a step in the right direction. I guess this beats having to go to NC or Biloxi, both of which are far enough to where it just isn't worth it. And this is a large enough market to accommodate the demand.

However, they better have a REALLY good security/police force down there. Five Points looks like a living Thriller video.

atlantagreg30127 · 01-14-2009, 08:34 AM

The most thriving cities have open-air outdoor markets downtown. Somewhat "flea marketish", but better controlled by the cities as to who/what goes in. If in that area they had an open-air farmers market/vendor market it would also draw people to the area (again, if done right).

One thing (casino) isn't going to do all the work. They need the remodeled Underground with the Casino addition, a clean-up of the Five Points panhandling area in general with a LARGE clean-up of them in the Woodruff Park area, as well as the success of the proposed Japanese hotel down there - THEN things really start happening.