Gambling Complex a 'Silver Bullet' for Hope Scholarship, Developer Says

For even the most die-heart southern conservative, Dan O'Leary makes a convincing argument that gambling would be a good idea for Gwinnett - and the entire state of Georgia.

O'Leary, a long time developer in the Atlanta metro area, is pitching the idea of a multi-million-dollar development that would include entertainment, restaurants, hotels - and gambling to a 122-acre site on the southwest corner of I-85 and Jimmy Carter Boulevard where OFC is currently located.

The gambling complex would feature a computerized scratch-off ticket type of gambling dispensed by VLTs (video lottery terminals) which look similar to slot machines.

And the state would benefit to the tune of $350 million in just the first phase of the development, later he projects another $500 million after phase two is complete in four to five years.

"We're bringing a trophy to Gwinnett," said O'Leary. "And it's projected to be one of the top five revenue-generators for the state."

The biggest benefactor would be education, points out O'Leary. He proposes  that the gambling complex would be able to prop up the ailing Hope Scholarship. It's projected that by 2014 the Hope Scholarship will be reduced to 50 percent payout to students who qualify.

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This story first appeared in Peachtree Corners Patch. To read more on Gwinnett's newest city, visit Peachtree Corners Patch.