Dear Editor:

While the American Gaming Association does not take a position on the decisions of individual states to expand or reduce gambling, we do take issue with your reliance in a recent article on the views of known gambling opponents, providing them with a forum to perpetuate their biased - and discredited - opinions about the social and economic impacts of gambling [“Will States’ Bet on Gambling To Fill Budget Gaps Pay Off?”, Dec. 27].

Their views have been discredited by the statistics. In 2000, the commercial casino industry generated $3.5 billion in tax revenue - a $500 million increase over the previous year - helping finance improvements to schools, libraries, roads, parks, and police and fire departments, among other enhancements. The industry has experienced only growth in gross gaming revenue and tax revenue since commercial casino gaming came to New Jersey in 1978 and to nine other states during the 1990s. In other areas, such as player demographics, casino customers mirror the overall U.S. population in age and actually exceed the median in salary and education.

These critics’ views also have been discredited by independent government studies. Research completed for the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, some of which was referenced in your article, has found that casino gaming has a net positive effect on communities. In addition, a 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.

And, finally, their views have been discredited by the people who know firsthand the benefits of casino gaming. Anyone looking for the truth need only contact 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. A recent survey conducted for the AGA by national pollsters Peter Hart and Frank Luntz found that 70 percent of residents of casino counties believe that casinos have had a positive impact on their communities, and 68 percent said that, if given the option again, they would vote to keep casinos in their community.

The AGA has always maintained that gaming can’t be the sole solution to fiscal problems; however, as part of a carefully crafted package, it can help provide much-needed revenue, jobs, economic development and capital investment for states and localities experiencing economic difficulties.

Sincerely,
 
Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.
President and CEO