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Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming-025

College of Business Administration
Reno, NV 89557-0208

Phone: (775) 784-1442
Fax: (775)784-1057

University of Nevada, Reno
Maintained by: Judy Cornelius
corneliu@unr.nevada.edu
Last Modified: 12/04/2002

David Giacopassi, University of Memphis; Mark Nichols, University of Nevada, Reno;
B. Grant Stitt, University of Nevada, Reno

(Funded by the National Institute of Justice, Grant No. 98-IJ-CX-0037)

Interviews were conducted with 128 key individuals in seven communities that are new casino jurisdictions. The communities selected for the study were Biloxi, MS; St. Louis (city and county) and St. Joseph, MO.; Alton and Peoria/East Peoria, IL; and Sioux City, IA. Most of the interviews were conducted in person by one or more of the research team that consisted of two criminologists and one economist. All casinos selected for the study initiated casino gambling in the 1990s and have had casino gambling for a minimum of four years.

The individuals selected for interview are community leaders (mayors, members of the city council, leading members of the business community) or work in areas (banking, law enforcement, social services) which would provide insight into the positive and negative effects that casinos have on communities. A series of core questions was asked of all 128 respondents followed by additional questions designed to elicit specific information based on the individual's position. A content analysis was conducted comparing responses both within and between communities by leadership position.

Findings indicate that a clear majority (59%) of those interviewed are in favor of the casino in the community, believe the casino enhances the quality of life in the community (65%), and believe that the casino has a positive effect on the economy (77%). Although the majority of community leaders interviewed view the impact of casinos favorably, responses varied by community, position within the community, and community variable being discussed. For example, although 65% of all respondents believed that the casino had a positive effect on the quality of life in the community, responses ranged from well over 90% of the leadership in some communities to under 50% in other communities. Individuals in economic development positions tended to be overwhelmingly positive toward casinos, with 95% indicating casinos have a positive economic impact on the community and 86% saying it improved the quality of life of residents. However, only 60% of social service providers believed that casinos were a positive factor enhancing quality of life within their community.

Although the majority of respondents interviewed believe casinos benefit the community, several qualifications need to be added. Clearly, to varying degrees, there is a lack of agreement within and between communities. Also, it should be noted that the communities selected for the study tend to be communities that have been economically depressed and, quite naturally, place a high value on the economic benefits that casinos provide to the community. It should also be noted that all the communities have had casino gambling for less than ten years. As time passes, assessments, both pro and con, may change. Lastly, although the individuals selected for the interviews are believed to be key individuals in the community, it was impossible to verify that the leaders interviewed are representative of the community leadership.