ATLANTIC CITY: BEFORE AND AFTER

In 1976, the citizens of New Jersey voted to legalize casino gambling in Atlantic City. It's instructive to compare the promises made during that campaign to the actual benefits seen in the state 30 years later.

Promise:  33,690 new jobs in the state by 1985, including 24,600 in casino hotels
Reality: 44,542 people directly employed by the casinos

Promise: $844 million in new construction by 1985
Reality: $12.4 billion in capital investments by casinos*

Promise: $330 million in new wages by 1985
Reality: Annual payroll of $1.25 billion (includes tips but not benefits) 

Promise: $30.3 million in annual casino tax revenue to benefit senior citizens
Reality: $508.78 in tax revenue in 2005 to benefit seniors, disabled, economic revitalization programs

Source: State of the States 2007

*New Jersey Casino Control Commission