\nBy HOWARD STUTZ
\n\tLAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
\n\t
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/i60.tinypic.com\/iz1fo5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nBy HOWARD STUTZ
\n\tLAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
\n\t<\/p>\n
\tBy the numbers:<\/p>\n
\t87 PERCENT<\/p>\n
\tpoll respondents who think gambling is an acceptable activity<\/p>\n
\t70 PERCENT<\/p>\n
\tpoll respondents who think casinos create jobs, strengthen communities and support local businesses<\/p>\n
\t51 PERCENT<\/p>\n
\tpoll respondents who think casinos should be taxed like any other business
\n\tAmericans view casinos as they would any other business in their communities, according to a nationwide survey conducted on behalf of the American Gaming Association.<\/p>\n
\tThe results, in which public acceptance of gaming reached 57 percent, will be released today.<\/p>\n
\tLeaders of the Washington, D.C.-based trade organization and lobbying group are expected to use findings from the survey to help guide a planned public awareness campaign for the industry.<\/p>\n
\tThe survey could be part of an effort to make the gaming regulatory process more uniform in states with casinos.<\/p>\n
\tThe opinions might help in an effort to lower the tax burden casinos face in some markets.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThere has never been a better time to go on the offensive,\u201d American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman said. \u201cThere is no need to be defensive. The public has seen the value of having casinos and we need to promote the hell out of the industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe figures are being touted by the AGA as the highest support ever found for casinos in the annual survey, which took into account opinions of 1,000 registered voters across political lines May 17-22.<\/p>\n
\tNearly 9-in-10 of those surveyed \u2014 87 percent \u2014 thought gambling was an acceptable activity by Americans.<\/p>\n
\tOrganizers of the survey said more than 70 percent of Americans believe casinos create jobs, strengthen communities and support local businesses. Also, 51 percent of those surveyed thought casinos should be taxed like any other business.<\/p>\n
\tThe pollsters said Americans have become desensitized to the issue of gaming after more than 20 years of expansion that has landed commercial casinos in nearly two dozen states. In addition, more than 20 states have casinos owned by American Indian tribes.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cPart of the reason has been the spread of casinos,\u201d pollster Mark Mellman said. \u201cPeople see casinos and advertisements for casinos more and more. Casinos have become more commonly accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe Mellman Group conducted the nationwide survey with Public Opinion Strategy, which is co-owned by Glen Bolger.<\/p>\n
\tThis was the first time either group conducted the Survey of Americans\u2019 Attitude Toward Legalized Gaming for the AGA.<\/p>\n
\tBolger, who reviewed previous polling results, said those surveyed believe gaming brings \u201ctangible economic benefits\u201d to their communities.<\/p>\n
\tHe said the survey found that casinos customers \u201clook like middle America.\u201d Nearly two out of every three casino visitors, 62 percent, were homeowners, while 70 percent considered themselves \u201cmiddle class\u201d or \u201cupper-middle class.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tBolger said one of the survey\u2019s surprises was that more than one-third of casino visitors attend religious services once a week. Sixty-three percent of casino visitors liken the entertainment experience to such activities as shopping, going to a sporting event or socializing.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cA big part of the attraction is that casinos are used for other entertainment means, such as dining or going to the movies,\u201d Mellman said. \u201cGoing to a casino has become a more normal activity in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe AGA is expected to implement the findings within an overall effort to change the way casinos are taxed and regulated throughout the U.S. The organization has previously sought a more uniform regulatory structure for the casino industry.<\/p>\n
\tFreeman said the survey will help in that effort. In addition, he hinted the AGA would seek ways to lower the tax burden on casinos in markets where the industry pays rates 50 percent or higher.<\/p>\n
\tFreeman said the \u201ctax and torture model\u201d on the casino industry \u201cis no longer sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tCasinos in many states, such as New Jersey, have seek gaming revenue figures plummet as competition open in neighboring states. Freeman said the timing is right for the gaming industry to take a more active position on various issues.<\/p>\n
\tHe cited a survey finding that 59 percent believe casinos improve their communities and help local economies.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cWhat this survey shows us is that communities with casinos want them treated like any other businesses,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cIn mature markets, casinos need to have the ability to reinvest and modernize. We\u2019re in a highly competitive environment and we need a regulatory model that promotes efficiency and investment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tFreeman said the \u201cenormous expansion of gaming\u201d has changed the way state\u2019s need to look at casinos.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cEvery state saw gaming as the Golden Goose,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cBut geese can\u2019t keep on giving.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tOne area the survey didn\u2019t explore was Internet gaming. Opinions on legalizing the activity were not asked, Freeman said.<\/p>\n
No replies were posted for this topic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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