Casinos: The Effects of Casinos - National Public Opinion

According to a 2002 poll conducted for the American Gaming Association (AGA) by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc., and the Luntz Research Companies, Americans in favor of casinos in their communities outnumber those who disapprove of local casino gambling. Of those with an opinion, 49% indicated some degree of favor, while 40% indicated disfavor. A 2004 AGA poll showed that about two-thirds of people polled believe that casinos bring widespread economic benefits to other industries and businesses in their region.

Proponents of casino gambling consider it part of the leisure/entertainment sector—like amusement parks or movie theaters. In a casino, participants exchange their money for a good time. Those who support casino gambling generally do not see it as a moral issue.

Those who are opposed to casinos are less unified in their opinions. Some disapprove of gambling. Others are wary of an industry that was associated with mobsters, swindlers, and corrupt politicians throughout much of this country's history. Still others believe that casinos are a bad idea because they provide a place for those who are prone to problem gambling to act on those urges. Easy accessibility to casinos might also encourage some people to gamble who otherwise would not and should not. Many social reformers believe in protecting people from their own bad judgment.

There is also the so-called NIMBY factor, which stands for "not in my backyard." Some people support casinos in theory and may even visit them on vacation, but they do not want one in their hometown, for whatever reason. According to the AGA in 2004 State of the States, four out of ten Americans do not want a casino in their own neighborhood, although just over five out of ten feel casino gambling is perfectly acceptable for anyone. Local residents and politicians are often opposed to casinos because they fear increased traffic and crime and may want to protect their community's image. Also, many state governments are running lotteries and do not want competition from casinos for their residents' gambling dollars.