Commercial gambling idea news to CVB

GAINESVILLE - The president of the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau says a proposal by a state lawmaker to allow video casinos in high tourist areas like Lake Lanier comes as a surprise to her and her stakeholders.

"We're always interested in improving product development," Stacy Dickson told Georgia News Network, "so no stone (is) left unturned, but something as controversial as gaming can be."

Dicks says her group will no doubt be briefed by its legislative delegation on the bill that Rep. Ron Stephens is considering. His goal is for proceeds from such casino games to help the struggling HOPE scholarship.

"I don't know what it could bring or even if there's interest in having it in our area," Dickson added. "It's not something we're pursuing at the moment."

Would the CVB be interested in some kind of gambling?

"I really don't know," Dickson said. "It's not something that's been discussed at all."

Stephens is proposing a constitutional amendment that would permit casino-type gaming machines in high-tourist areas including Jekyll Island, Savannah's Hutchinson Island, and Lake Lanier Islands. (See separate story.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/2/236182