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.