MGM Resorts proposes USD 1B casino in Atlanta

An MGM spokesman said the Company is still in “the very preliminary stages” but started scouting Atlanta in recent months.

MGM ResortsAtlanta, the extensive capital of Georgia, is home to the world’s busiest airport and is one of the biggest convention hubs in the US, but doesn’t have land-based casinos. A constitutional amendment introduced earlier this year seeks to legalise up to six casinos in Georgia and if it passes the House and Senate, would then be added to a statewide referendum.

The legislation is not expected to pass this year but has instead roused interest in the state. MGM’s proposal would dedicate a portion of the revenue generated at the facility to the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and pre-k programs, which are currently funded by the state Lottery. It would also create some 3,500 jobs and new business opportunities for the region.

“It’s a beautiful market,” commented Clark Dumont, MGM spokesman, citing access, demographics and other factors. He explained a group approached MGM about Atlanta after the legislation was tabled in March, leading to the Company starting its due diligence in the area. “We typically don’t go into an area in which we are not invited into,” Dumont said.

The project would include a luxury hotel, entertainment venue, a casino and other resort amenities. Dumont added the size of a possible resort hasn’t been determined, but MGM would not build in Georgia unless legislation was in place. “Any interest would occur only after the legislative and then voter deliberation and consideration of the constitutional amendment,” said the spokesman. “We have no active interest at this time.”

Introduced by Rep Ron Stephens, the constitutional amendment was too late to be voted on during the 2015 General Assembly session but will be on the agenda for the 2016 session beginning in January. Supporters of the measure hope the interest of MGM will help the legislation to pass. “I’ve seen it, the conceptual plan at least,” commented Stephens on the MGM proposal. “It will compare with anything in Las Vegas.”