Now that University of Memphis basketball fans may have to venture to FedExForum next season to see their Tigers play, could poker tables and slot machines be the next main attraction at The Pyramid?

"If there ever was an opportunity, now is the time to find out," said Joe Callaway, who represents Minnesota-based Lakes Entertainment Inc. The casino development firm is studying the viability of turning The Pyramid into a Las Vegas-style casino.

Callaway told members of the Shelby County Commission Wednesday that Lakes is working to help pass state legislation that could lead to the legalization of a casino in The Pyramid or in other parts of Shelby County.

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"We wouldn't be here today if we didn't feel very optimistic about this," Callaway said.

Tennessee law does not allow casino gaming. Whether casino gaming is flatly prohibited by the state Constitution is a matter some say is murkier and may have to be decided in a courtroom.

Any changes in state law or the Constitution to permit casinos could face steep odds.

"I'm just not sensing support for it up here," said state Rep. Tre Hargett of Bartlett, the House Republican leader.

"Right now, people are focusing on making the lottery efficient and accountable. I don't think state government really needs to bite off more than it can chew."

Some members of the County Commission, which last year approved the casino study by Lakes, aren't holding their breath either.

"We need to be focusing our time, our energy, our resources on viable options that are both legal and constitutional and economically viable," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson.

"I think this is a distraction that at times keeps us from doing that."

Others, like Commissioner Joyce Avery, said she doesn't want a casino but said it may be the best option for The Pyramid.

"If it can bring in jobs, help pay down the ($1.5 billion county) debt, then I would have to support it," she said.

The legislation that has been filed would require a referendum to approve casino-style gambling in Shelby County, an aspect of the plan that Avery said she likes. "If this is our option, at least the people would have a say in what's there," she said.

State Sen. John Ford and Rep. Larry Miller are the sponsors of the legislation, said Paul Krivacka, a Nashville attorney assisting Lakes.

Callaway said a Pyramid casino could mean as much as $89 million in annual revenue for the city and county if it's created as a public-private partnership. He said Lakes is recommending that structure for a Pyramid casino as opposed to a private venture or Native American casino because of the potential for higher revenues for the city and county.

Source: Michael Erskine, The Commercial Appeal