National Gambling Impact Study Commission, Atlantic City Meeting

An outspoken Atlantic City expressed the positive impact casino gaming has had on its community since it was introduced 20 years ago, during the National Gambling Impact Study Commission’s site visit meeting this week. Once and for all, the misconstrued information about Atlantic City, perpetuated by gaming opponents and often the national media, was challenged by the community at large, including elected officials, business leaders and employees whose livelihoods depend on the casino gaming industry. The information generated during the meeting was a prime example of a city letting the “facts speak for themselves,” demonstrating the progress the city has made because of casino gaming. The two-day meeting was a powerful testament to the city in its determination to stand up for a city that has provided opportunities and a better quality of life. The AGA is hopeful that other cities that will be visited by the Commission to study the effects of gaming will demonstrate the same kind of support that Atlantic City exuded. The AGA is dedicated to cooperating with the Commission as it continues its study over the next year and a half.