Georgia Casinos

NO INDIAN CASINOS

NEWS

January 28, 2008
Study Recommends Casinos in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA – The Atlanta Business Chronicle reported the findings of a recent study about legalizing casinos in Atlanta. The report by PKF Hospitality Research was requested by high level Atlanta business leaders who want to keep Atlanta competitive as a top tourist destination.

REPORT FINDINGS
Based on at least one Las Vegas-style casino built in downtown Atlanta:

• Adds up to $1.7 billion to Atlanta’s economy
• Creates 10,800 new jobs
• Adds $136.3 million in annual tax revenues
• Adds nearly $3 million in city hotel-motel taxes
• May bring massive redevelopment of the central business district

The report cited other cities where gambling and conventions work together to attract more visitors:
   - 1st-ranked Las Vegas has $6 billion in casino revenue
   - 2nd-ranked Chicagoland, Ind., has $5 billion
   - 16th-ranked New Orleans has $534 million

The social cost of problem gambling is also reported and could cost Atlanta $320 million a year. About 8% of Americans over 18 are susceptible to gambling dependency. If there is a casino within 50 miles, it is estimated this percentage doubles.

Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts has long been an advocate for local casinos. "Georgians love to gamble," he said. "Georgians go to the Carolinas, and Mississippi and Nevada in huge numbers. It's my prediction that within five years, we will have casino gambling here in the state of Georgia."