travel and tourism

Dear Editor:

Unfortunately, in its exploration of the economic impact of gambling, Leroy Laney’s Feb. 15 article paints a very inaccurate picture of casinos.

First, peer-reviewed research refutes Mr. Laney’s claim that casinos are linked to a variety of social problems, including crime and divorce.

In addition, a mountain of evidence proves that casinos stimulate local economies, resulting in increased jobs, incomes and opportunities for local businesses who would supply these new facilities.

Though, for many, the rising temperatures signal a time of relaxation, we in the gaming industry are working especially hard to make the most of the summer season.

Frank Fahrenkopf’s PowerPoint presentation from the 2009 East Coast Gaming Congress can be downloaded by clicking here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recent weeks, corporations have been vilified by policymakers and pundits for planning business trips in today’s down economy. However, early survey results released today by the American Gaming Association (AGA) indicate that the vast majority of America’s business travelers think such trips are crucial to the health of their employers.

WASHINGTON – Though the economic recession reached a fever pitch in 2008, it had the second highest revenues on record for the U.S. commercial casino industry. According to a report released today from the American Gaming Association (AGA), gross gaming revenues topped $32.5 billion in 2008, a 4.7 percent drop from 2007’s record-breaking total.