Could a Georgia mall's empty JCPenney become a casino?
A former JCPenney store at the Macon Mall could soon turn into a casino—if Georgia legalises commercial gambling. The site's future rests on a statewide vote, as lawmakers have debated lifting the casino ban for years. Meanwhile, the mall itself has faced the same struggles as many others across the state.
The Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority took ownership of the Macon Mall in September 2021. Since then, the decline of traditional shopping centres has left many Georgia malls, especially in mid-sized cities like Macon, Augusta and Savannah, vulnerable to closure or redevelopment. Yet no fixed timelines exist for conversions, as each property owner weighs their options separately.
Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc. (GLPI) now holds the exclusive right to buy the old JCPenney building for $20 million. The company paid $500,000 to secure a five-year decision window, with the option to extend exclusivity until 2031 for another $500,000. If plans move forward, GLPI will spend around $1.5 million to demolish the current structure.
Macon's central location and status as Georgia's fourth-largest city make it a prime candidate for a casino. But first, the state must approve gambling through a referendum. This requires two-thirds support in both legislative chambers and a simple majority from voters.
The casino project hinges on Georgia's gambling laws changing. If approved, the former JCPenney site could become a major entertainment venue. Until then, the mall's future—and that of similar properties—remains uncertain.
