Casino Operator Secures $20M Option on Macon Mall Site, Pending Georgia Voter Approval

The Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority approved the agreement with Gaming and Leisure Properties, a subsidiary of PENN Entertainment, which operates 41 casinos and betting facilities nationwide.

Under the deal, the company has an initial five-year option to acquire the property, with the possibility of extending the agreement for an additional five years for $500,000—effectively locking in development rights for up to a decade as the state debates legalization.

Strategic Bet on Legalization

The agreement is contingent on Georgia authorizing casino gambling through a constitutional amendment. If approved by lawmakers and ratified by voters in a statewide referendum, and if Central Georgia is designated as a casino region, the company would hold exclusive rights to develop the Macon Mall site for gaming purposes.

Currently, casino gambling is prohibited under Georgia’s constitution. Senate Resolution 131, introduced in February 2025, proposes amending the constitution to permit the General Assembly to authorize and regulate both sports betting and land-based casinos. The measure would require a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers before advancing to voters. As of now, the resolution remains in committee.

Despite the regulatory hurdles, local leadership views the agreement as a forward-looking economic strategy. Macon Mayor Lester Miller has consistently advocated for mixed-use redevelopment of the mall property, including hotels, restaurants, and retail, with a casino potentially serving as a catalyst project.

Investment and Redevelopment Plans

During the initial five-year option period, Gaming and Leisure Properties plans to invest up to $2.5 million to demolish the former JCPenney structure and undertake site improvements, including clearing, paving, and landscaping.

Notably, Macon-Bibb County acquired the mall property at no cost. Should the transaction close, the $20 million purchase price would return directly to taxpayers, representing a potentially significant financial gain for the community.

The mall district has already been the focus of revitalization efforts, including the development of a nearby amphitheater. City officials have long envisioned the demolition of the former department store space to make way for hospitality and commercial projects, aligning with broader urban redevelopment objectives.

Economic Opportunity Amid Fiscal Debate

The proposal emerges as Georgia lawmakers evaluate tax reforms, including potential income tax elimination and property tax reductions, intensifying discussions about alternative revenue streams. Supporters argue that regulated casino development could generate substantial economic activity, create jobs, and capture spending currently flowing to neighboring states with legal gaming markets.

Community reaction has been mixed, with some residents expressing concerns about social impacts, while others emphasize the potential for revenue generation and productive reuse of underutilized real estate.

The current legislative session runs through the end of March. Even if SR 131 advances, final authorization would depend on voter approval in a statewide referendum. Until then, the Macon agreement represents a calculated, long-term positioning move—one that underscores growing momentum around gaming expansion discussions in Georgia.

For the broader U.S. gaming industry, the transaction highlights continued interest in emerging Southern markets where legalization debates are gaining renewed attention.