ATLANTA — A study requested by the Georgia Lottery Commission found that metro Atlanta is an untapped and potentially lucrative site for casino gambling.

The study also explored how much money could be made if casinos were allowed in several parts of the state.

Researchers found that three casinos in metro Atlanta, Savannah and Jekyll Island could generate nearly $1 billion a year for the state as quickly as 2014.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported details of the study (http://bit.ly/v3yumJ ).

The report also gauged the potential productivity of six locations for casinos in downtown Atlanta, Cobb, Clayton, DeKalb counties and at Lake Lanier.

The Journal-Constitution reports that the $91,000 study has been given to Gov. Nathan Deal.