Dear Editor:

While the American Gaming Association does not take a position on the decisions of individual states regarding the legalization of gambling, we do take issue with a recent article that presented only opponents’ opinions about the potential impact of casino gambling without challenging their claims (“Hawaii’s diverse religions unite in a campaign to keep gambling illegal,” Jan. 5).

In fact, independent government studies contradict their views. The congressionally mandated National Gambling Impact Study Commission in 1999 found that casino gaming has yielded economic benefits in many communities, creating quality jobs, generating economic development, and reducing unemployment and government assistance. A 2001 report by the Commerce Department’s Census Bureau specifically cited the presence of casino gaming as a driver of economic growth and tourism in Mississippi.

The gambling opponents’ biases are obvious if you look at a profile of the typical casino customer. Our players actually exceed the median in salary and education; 81 percent always or usually set a budget before they play. Overwhelmingly, Americans believe they should have the freedom to spend their discretionary income the way they see fit. The fact is, the vast majority of Americans - upwards of 80 percent, according to our most recent polling - view casino entertainment as acceptable for themselves or others.

But you don’t need to take our word for it. To get a real perspective on the impact of casinos, it’s instructive to ask those with firsthand experience, such as the mayors of Elgin, Ill.; Gary, Ind., Bettendorf, Iowa; Biloxi, Miss., and countless other gaming jurisdictions, who will undoubtedly credit casinos for enhancements to the community and the improvement of quality of life for their citizens. According to a survey conducted for the AGA by national pollsters Peter Hart and Frank Luntz, 70 percent of residents of casino counties believe that casinos have had a positive impact on their communities. If given the option again, 68 percent said they would vote to keep casinos in their communities.

While gambling opponents are entitled to their opinions, they should not be presented as facts. We hope that in the future your paper will be more thorough and present all the information instead of just perpetuating the myths and stereotypes about our industry.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
President and CEO