Some people thought the price to gamble in Etowah County was set so high, no one would ever open for business.  But this week one company is pitching a proposal for a video bingo hall.

The County Commission set very high requirements to open up. So high, no one has come close to meeting investment minimums.

Patrick Sims, Etowah County CEO, says "The jest of it is a $200 million investment in the county and two thousand jobs."  Seventy percent of those employees must live within county limits.  The business must be run by a charitable organization, donating a large portion of the proceeds.

Two development groups are inching their way toward that $200 million investment requirement. One could build a charitable bingo hall on a 30 acre plot of land along Highway 77 just off I-59 near Gadsden.

Here's a tip for potential investors... county leaders have said any casino plan that includes a public park or a recreation center gets bonus points for approval.

Sims says, "I must stress that the County Commission is looking out for the best interest of the county. We're not going to go out here and allow this type of operation unless it benefits the citizens of this county."

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