Former JCPenney in Georgia Could Become Casino Pending Legislation

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Macon-Bibb County has granted a 10-year purchase option that could turn the dormant JCPenney footprint at Macon Mall into a resort-scale casino if Georgia’s constitution is amended to permit gaming. 

Atlanta, Georgia as casino development underway

Key Takeaways:

  • A 10-year purchase option could see the Macon Mall site transformed into a resort-scale casino if Georgia lawmakers amend the constitution.
  • The deal, tied to Gaming and Leisure Properties, includes demolition plans and aims to fund broader redevelopment if approved.
  • Local reactions are divided, citing economic potential versus social concerns ahead of legislative and voter decisions.

Option agreement lays groundwork for casino development

The Urban Development Authority’s agreement gives Gaming and Leisure Properties, a real estate arm tied to PENN Entertainment, exclusive rights to buy the parcel for $20 million and an initial five-year window to exercise the option; the company may extend that runway by five years for $500,000. 

The agreement also anticipates up-front site work, with GLPI planning demolition and land preparation in the early option period. A completed sale would return funds directly to taxpayers and seed broader redevelopment. 

According to World Casino Directory, Mayor Lester Miller said, “We’ve always wanted to have a hotel on the site there, the state of Georgia has to determine whether or not they’re gonna allow casinos”

GLPI’s proposal is presented as conditional: it cannot build a casino unless the General Assembly approves casino development and voters ratify a constitutional amendment via statewide referendum. 

Several Georgia proposals are under consideration as lawmakers explore new revenue sources amid tax-policy debates, per Casino.org. 

Economic upside debated as legislative path remains uncertain

Local reaction is split between hopes for economic stimulus and concerns about social impacts. Officials cite examples from other cities where casino-linked projects were used as catalysts for transit, hospitality and retail investment, while some residents warn of gambling-related harms.the retail side. Scientific Games recently secured a deal with the Georgia Lottery to roll out its SCiQ retail system across 1,500 locations statewide.