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Officials are strongly considering introducing slot machines to downtown Atlanta, Georgia as a part of a major development project.  Although people in the tourism and hospitality industry are excited about the potential new business that slot machines would create, there are of course those that oppose the idea and feel that slot machines are a bad investment for the city.

The argument posed by the opposition is that economic development and casino gambling go together about as well as investment strategies and slot machines.  Despite all the promise of instant riches, they very rarely pay off and if and when they do pay off, there is always a heavy price to pay.

Some even argue that downtown Atlanta does not need the help of slot machines.  It can be argued that downtown, as is, is pulling itself up by its own boot straps.  Youthful energy and dollars are being infused into the area by the growth of Georgia State University.  The investment in Centennial Park is also having an positive effect on surrounding businesses like the Georgia Aquarium.

The idea is that slot machines are being seen as a quick, and perhaps unnecessary, fix.  There is also a fear that slot machines would retard the slow put upward growth.  The effect seen in some communities when slot machines or casinos begin operation are dollars disappearing from the streets and surrounding businesses.  The casinos tend to suck all that money up like a sponge.

Although Georgia will be able to tax those dollars and use its revenue for positive in the city, slot machines may not be the best idea for developing a specific area such as downtown Atlanta.

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