There’s a growing sentiment for allowing video gambling machines into Underground Atlanta as an attempt to revitalize downtown Atlanta and provide $350 million a year.

I’m familiar with Underground Atlanta. Georgia State University is next-door to the facility, and I’ve spent many an evening chowing at the Johnny Rocket’s location near the old train depot.

I speak of which I know.

The area is a complete craphole. While I didn’t personally see physical violence, I feel confident in saying that it was the type of environment in which it could occur (according to the University’s own police reports). Little police presence, lack of sufficient lighting and lack of car/foot traffic made one feel that they were completely isolated- despite being in the most populated city within 400 miles.

I’ve never been near so many people, yet felt so alone.

So when politicians start talking about adding video gambling machines, it feels unnerving. If anyone wishes to know about the clientele that video gambling attracts, just investigate South Carolina’s final years under video poker in the early 2000′s.

Simply put: If Atlanta is going to pursue gambling as a correction to budget issues, then it’s best to make it hardcore. Attract big money gamblers by providing live poker with live dealers, pit bosses, additional security, the whole works. Over time, we could add the fountains and lighting and attractions, and become a mini-Las Vegas- complete with police presence and a general sense of well-being in the city center.

But just adding some lonely-ass lottery machines? It’s not an improvement.