'Barcade' Would Bring 425 Gaming Machines to DeKalb

A proposed resort on Covington Highway in South DeKalb would transform empty condos into rental villas for guests who gamble at Panola Slope, but critics say it flaunts Georgia’s ban on casinos.

The gambling venture approved by the DeKalb County Commission in December would offer visitors three restaurants, an outdoor entertainment venue, meeting spaces and shopping, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Prizes won at an estimated 400 video games would be given as vouchers to be used for dinners or on-site lodging.

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Games may include slot machines, video poker, a virtual reality roller coaster and golf and military simulators.

Georgia is one of 10 states without a casino, but state law also allows cash-operated gaming machines that give prizes to be redeemed on the premises, the AJC says.

Panola Slope developer Vaughn Irons, who is chairman of the DeKalb Development Authority and co-chairs interim CEO Lee May’s Operations Task Force, is trying to turn around the failing development, reports CrossRoads News. The site has 23 condominiums and ground-level retail space in five two-story buildings.

WSB TV reports Irons and partner Red Alligator LLC -- incorporated under the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana – have won rezoning of the property from mixed use to commercial to convert it into a luxury resort and indoor amusement center for adult patrons. Vaughn also has applied for a special land use permit so Panola Slope can stay open around the clock and serve alcohol until 2 a.m.

Irons described the venture to WSB TV as a “barcade” concept for adults that will create 130 jobs and bring more than $46 million in economic impact in the first year.

The Tunica-Biloxi tribe’s vice chairman, Marshall Sampson, is also the CEO of Red Alligator. The tribe operates a casino in Louisiana.

“We’re well known for our food in Louisiana, we’re trying to bring that to DeKalb County, a great time, great entertainment,” Sampson told WSB.

Both partners say they have no plans to apply for a casino in Georgia.

DeKalb Commissioner Jeff Rader says the board didn’t know of Red Alligator’s operation of the Louisiana casino.

»Screenshot of proposed gaming resort at Panola Slope, plus existing housing, from WSB TV