America 1919

Where should Atlantic City look to if it truly wants to develop?
Your next chapter awaits on empire

In Donnie's view, it's Macau. Just like Macau, Atlantic City is a tiny place with scarce resources and no other direction for development.

So, the best way to foster rapid development in Atlantic City is to model it after Macau!

Center the development around the gambling industry and then drive the entire tourism industry!

However, to make this happen, relying solely on Donnie would be impossible; it was essential for Nucky to make a move, and the time was now.

With the US elections about to kick off, the entire power structure of the United States would soon be in turmoil, drawing public attention. This chaos could provide a golden opportunity for Atlantic City to become the first legal casino city in the United States!

When Donnie shared his plan with Nucky, Nucky was shocked by Donnie's vision.

If... if everything unfolds as Donnie described, then Atlantic City would transform into a completely different form.

"If we eliminate the other scattered casinos, could it result in an overly concentrated business environment, leaving most people in Atlantic City unable to survive?"

When Nucky asked this question, it essentially meant he had accepted Donnie's suggestion in his heart, but still had his own concerns about the plan!

Donnie calmly replied, "As it stands, the commercial environment and tourist numbers in the West District are already nearing those of the East District, with signs of even surpassing them. Our decision simply aims to turn the entirety of Atlantic City into another West District. More importantly, although everyone in Atlantic City is related to you, Nucky, those connections are not direct.

Take the North District, for example. If you want to control the North District, you need a local proxy. But if this proxy becomes disobedient, he will cause trouble with his followers.

If this hotel gets built and the license is approved, then everyone in Atlantic City will serve us directly, and the situation in the North District will also change!"

Nucky nodded and then posed another question, "There's another concern. Money earned from the gambling business – many people, after all, will consider it to be ill-gotten. Eventually, there will be those who use this against us!"

Donnie was even more confident about this issue, "That's even simpler. We can establish a charity organization. Whether it's to support women or children, or even to care for those Africans, it doesn't matter. All we need to do is declare that 90% of the gambling industry's revenue from Atlantic City will be used for charitable causes!"

Nucky's eyes began to shine as he seriously considered Donnie's words.

Both Donnie and Nucky understood that this 90% revenue allocation was still under their control!

"So, what's your vision? Building such a hotel will require a significant investment!"

Donnie breathed a sigh of relief; he had finally persuaded Nucky.

"It's simple. You, I, and City Hall each provide one-third of the investment. I know you are the largest landowner in Atlantic City, having nearly bought up half the properties along the boardwalk. Thus, I hope you can join with cash and land. As for City Hall, I suggest they contribute through policy and funding, while I will contribute with cash and management expertise!"

"You will take care of management?"

Nucky looked at Donnie with some concern. Agreeing to the plan meant Nucky understood that the future manager of a successful hotel would become one of the most powerful figures in Atlantic City.

And the rapid progress of Donnie was already worrying him; if hotel management was also handed to Donnie...

Donnie smiled, "I'll be responsible for management, but major decisions will still need the board's approval. No one from City Hall will oppose your wishes, right, Nucky? As for you... with your abilities, there is certainly no issue, but I presume you don't have the time to manage a hotel, do you?"

Nucky pondered for a while before speaking, "I need to think about this. However, I will give you a definite answer as soon as possible!"

After hearing this, Donnie nodded, "Alright then!"

Upon returning from the Ritz Hotel, Donnie met with Walker immediately.

"Now, the only concern is whether Nucky will kick you to the curb after hearing your plan and decide to do it himself."

Walker analyzed the potential risks of the situation for Donnie.

Donnie nodded, "It's quite possible, but I don't think it will happen, at least not in the early stages."

Walker asked, "Why do you say that?"

Donnie confidently explained, "Firstly, for Nucky, even if his one-third of the investment is diluted by his land asset, according to our calculations, Nucky would need to contribute at least one million US dollars in cash. This amount might not be much for Nucky's net worth, but when it comes to cash, it's a different matter.

Therefore, Nucky needs a stable and sure investor, and clearly, I'm the best choice right now!

Secondly, although I've discussed the hotel management strategy with Nucky, he definitely doesn't quite understand the operational details. As of now, whether in Atlantic City or the United States, finding someone who knows better than I how to run this hotel is almost impossible!"