Hustler publisher Larry Flynt gets OK to build new casino

GARDENA, Calif. (AP) -- Hustler publisher Larry Flynt has won the approval of the City Council to build a $23 million card casino here.

Councilmembers voted 4-0 Tuesday night to approve construction of a two-story casino, then they gave Flynt their best wishes. Councilman Steven Bradford noted that a successful casino would bring more jobs and tax revenue into Gardena.

"Good luck to you," Councilman Jim Cragin told Flynt representatives. "I hope you make this so the whole city's proud of you."

Two grandmotherly Gardena residents also blessed the proposal.

"Let's bring life into this city. Let's not put roadblocks in front of this project," one urged council members before the vote.

Flynt's proposed 46,500-square-foot casino would be decked out in neon and offer 60 gambling tables.

Flynt is taking a curious approach to his proposed card club.

Developers usually don't invest millions of dollars to start construction until all permits have been secured. But Flynt intends to begin building soon, and then hopes to acquire city and state gambling permits and open no later than July.

Bulldozing is expected to begin within several weeks.

Alan Isaacman, Flynt's lawyer, said that if the adult-magazine publisher doesn't get the licenses, Isaacman or a third party would obtain them and operate the casino while Flynt continues to own the land and building.

Flynt has yet to reveal the club's name. Isaacman has said it may include the word "Hustler," after the publication that launched Flynt's career.

If successful, the club could mean millions of dollars annually to the city in gambling taxes and help Gardena erase a $4 million-plus deficit.

Gardena is about 15 miles south of Los Angeles.