p12 Stateside:p12 Stateside 18/11/2009 11:41 Page 12
STATESIDE
Stateside
Sharon Harris looks back at a hell of a year…
W
hen it comes to money, desperate option whereby the four cities’ residents could veto
times often call for desperate casinos in their respective jurisdictions. Ohio
measures, and unusual circumstances amusement operators opposed the original
can make for strange bedfellows. legislation, fearing increased competition.
Cash, or the need for it, has Earlier this year, Ohio lawmakers also approved
apparently altered the public’s psyche and convictions 17,500 slot machines for seven racetracks. The courts
regarding gaming. later overturned the ruling, declaring slots a voter issue.
For decades, most Americans were content to limit No one is sure what that will come up on the ballot.
casinos to Nevada. The Caribbean offered a winter Rasmussen Reports explained this evolution in
escape for northerners while offering sun, sand and attitudes. In late October, the firm reported 52% of
gambling. However, those restrictions began to adults surveyed favor casino gaming in their home
gradually change in the 1970s. states despite a general belief that gaming negatively
As a last-ditch effort to economically revitalize their impacts society. Virtually the same number – 50% –
fading seaside “queen”, New Jersey voters approved see few societal benefits to gaming, twice the number
casinos for Atlantic City in 1976. Gamblers now had who view it favorably. That support does not translate
three options – the West, the East and the Tropics. to Internet gaming. Less than half the population –
However, 30 years of changing attitudes and 44% – advocate legalized online gaming.
pragmatism have tempered gaming’s stigma, However, financial issues create different results:
promoting greater acceptability in America’s 57% say casino gaming has had somewhat of a
communities. The NIMBY (“Not in My Back Yard”) positive impact on a state’s or city’s economy,
concept remains in most residential neighborhoods, including 15% who deem it very positive; 35% view
30 years of
but a “Not in My State” mentality has eroded. Most the economic impact of casino gambling as
people accept casinos located in designated locations somewhat or very negative.
changing attitudes and under strict regulation. In this era, one-third of adults still believe casino
and pragmatism
Tolerance usually results from personal experience. In gaming increases crime. The good news is that 40%
have tempered
the US, 71% of all adults have gambled in a casino at disagree. These statistics break down along gender
least once. Forty US states now allow some form of lines. Men are more favorable than women, but by a
gaming’s stigma,
legalized casino gaming, a number directly proportional margin of less than 10%
promoting greater
to states grappling with huge budget deficits. How can I quantify how circumstances have
Last month, by a six-point margin, economically changed? I joined Pennsylvania’s amusement industry
acceptability
devastated Ohio became the latest in a string of states in 1982. Our trade association had two aims: keep
to legalize gaming to help close its budget deficit and video game taxes/license fees low and legalize video
create jobs. After multiple prior defeats, Issue 3 poker (VLTs). We succeeded overall on the first goal,
passed. It authorizes casinos in Ohio’s four largest but after 27 years, there is still no legislation. 1990
cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. was the closest year we came to passage.
Scheduled to open in three years, there are estimates It is no secret that law enforcement officials
of tens of thousands of jobs, and nearly $650 million statewide often targeted “grey area” games being
in annual revenue, generated from a 33% tax rate. operated by individuals who chose to take their
Opponents doubt both predictions. They also charge chances. However, at this time, one year after the
an unfair monopoly because the wording grants casino Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board allocated $3.5
licenses to the drafters over the highest bidders. Talk million to local law enforcement for poker
about having a questionable “in” within the system. crackdowns, many police and prosecutors have
Before gaming advocates pop the champagne cork, returned more than $600,000.
they should know that the Ohio Legislature may Why? Several county district attorneys and
place a second constitutional amendment ballot lawmakers claim that despite being technically illegal,
initiative on the May 2010 ballot. It would potentially police have little interest in prosecuting otherwise
repeal or amend Issue 3 before the casinos are law-abiding citizens who they say may provide
operative. Suggested changes include auctioning the harmless entertainment. Also, longtime gaming
casino licenses to the highest bidder instead of to the advocate Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell has
drafters of Issue 3; imposing a higher tax rate on the changed the discussion by supporting VLT legislation
casino’s gross income and/or establishing a local before his term ends.
12 DECEMBER 2009
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