The Impact of Casino Tourism on Local Economies across the USA

Miami New Times
 
The Impact of Casino Tourism on Local Economies across the USA
Wild Casino

Over the past few years, casinos have become a big part of the United States of America's industry. Until 1930, gambling was considered illegal in the United States of America except in New Jersey, Atlantic City, and Nevada. However, more than 30 states have lifted the ban on gambling and considered it legal. Since casino gambling is now legal in many states in the United States of America, casino tourism has grown to become a big business both in local and urban areas. People come from different countries where casinos are considered illegal to gamble in the states where casinos are legal in the United States of America.

Economic Boost from Casino Gambling

One of the reasons many states in the USA now approve casino gambling is that they see it as a good way to boost the economy of their states. The biggest reason considered for this is the growth in local retail business, increased tax generation for both state and local governments, and an increase in the employment rate. The fear of not meeting standards set by neighbouring states in terms of revenues led to the acceptance of casino gambling, according to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission's final report. That's what it means. For instance, companies like casino demonstrate how casino tourism can have a positive impact on local economies through increased engagement and spending.

Impacts of Casino Tourism on Local Economies

Increased Employment: The introduction of casinos to local communities has proven to reduce the unemployment rate of the local community. At the beginning of every local business, the people in the area are patronized to partake in being employed at the business place because they are familiar with the area and its people, which somehow boosts sales and marketing. The basic idea regarding this explanation is that labour will be required when the business starts, and the best and closest way to get labour will be from the locals. So, one of the great impacts of casino tourism on the local economy across the USA is the improved employment rate.

Increased Tax Revenue: One of the best ways the casino tourism industry improves local economies is through increased tax generation. Sometimes the taxes are adjusted for casinos; compared to other industries, they have a higher tax rate. For example, let’s look at the tax rate in Missouri, which is 18%, but an additional 2% is added for casinos, thereby generating more revenue from casinos.

Boosts Local Retail Sales:Casino tourism attracts lots of tourists, and most wager huge amounts of money on gambling. The more they wager, the more the casinos make from them, and the more they win, the higher the tax on the winning amount. Since casino tourism attracts many people, the income of the local retailers will surely boost. Another big advantage the local casinos have is that some of them have hotel rooms and restaurants for their customers. Since all items and foods purchased there are taxable and the income generated is also for the casinos, the sales are thereby boosted.

In a nutshell, casino tourism plays a significant role in the economic development of the local communities where they are located. Apart from the growth of the casino industry, the casino industry can also indirectly influence the growth of other industries like entertainment and hospitality. Among the opportunities that casino tourism provides is the large tourist population that it attracts.