Data showing correlations between casinos and increased local crime rates

The relationship between casinos and local crime rates is complex, and various studies have explored the correlation between casino establishments and crime in different regions. Below is a more detailed analysis of the findings from several studies that examine this connection.

1. General Overview of Studies on Casinos and Crime Rates

• Crime Categories Impacted: Studies have found varying impacts of casinos on different types of crime:

• Property Crimes:Common findings show an increase in property crimes like theft, larceny,  and burglary. The presence of high cash flow in casinos and the influx of visitors can make areas more vulnerable to such crimes.

• Violent Crimes:Some studies note an increase in violent crimes such as assault and domestic violence, though evidence is mixed.

• Drug-Related Offenses: Casinos may be associated with increased drug use or trafficking, partly due to the transient nature of people visiting casinos and the tendency for gambling establishments to attract individuals who are predisposed to substance abuse.

• Public Order Crimes: Disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and other minor offenses can also rise due to the availability of alcohol and other substances in casinos.

2. Case Study: Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City offers one of the most cited examples of the relationship between casinos and crime, as the city has experienced significant changes since casinos were legalized in the 1970s.

• Findings from a 2003 Study: A study published in The Social Science Journal by David A. Humphreys (2003) analyzed crime data from Atlantic City before      and after the introduction of casinos.

• Crime Rates Post-Casino Introduction: The study found that crime rates increased after the casinos were established. Specifically:

• Property crimes like larceny and burglary rose  significantly.

• Violent crime rates increased, though less significantly.

• Study Conclusion:The study concluded that while crime did increase, it was not solely attributable to the casinos, as other factors like economic conditions and urban decay in the city were at play.

• Additional Insights: Later research on Atlantic City indicated that the influx of tourists and      the large crowds associated with casinos may have contributed to an increase in street crimes like robbery. Some studies suggest that while casinos generate economic activity, they also increase the likelihood of crimes associated with transient populations, such as those who come for gambling but engage in criminal activities.

3. Case Study: Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, with its massive casino and tourism infrastructure, offers another example of casino-related crime dynamics. Research from Las Vegas has provided detailed insights into the types of crime that are most associated with casinos.

• Findings from a 2009 Study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV):A study by UNLV researchers analyzed crime trends in Las Vegas in the1990s and early 2000s and compared them to national crime patterns.

• Property Crimes:The presence of casinos was linked to increased property crime rates,       particularly larceny-theft and auto theft. However, the increase in property crime was largely concentrated in certain districts, particularly around the Strip.

• Violent Crimes:Violent crime rates (e.g., assaults, homicides) in Las Vegas were not significantly higher than in other cities of similar size. Some violent crimes, such as bar fights or domestic violence, could be linked to alcohol consumption and the stressful nature of gambling, but no clear causality was established.

• Tourism and Crime:Researchers found that while Las Vegas’ tourism-driven economy resulted in a high concentration of people, which provided opportunities for street-level       crime, the city's rapid expansion and large-scale casino operations also led to investments in law enforcement and infrastructure that helped mitigate some of the crime increases.

4. National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC) - 1999 Report

The NGISC published a comprehensive report on gambling in the U.S., examining the relationship between casinos and crime across various states.

• General Findings:The NGISC report indicated that there was an association between casinos      and increased crime in some areas, particularly for property and public order crimes. However, the report noted that the effects were often modest.

• Crime Types:

• Property Crimes:Increased in areas where casinos were concentrated, as large amounts of    cash moved through casinos and visitors increased the target population for thieves.

• Violent Crimes:No strong evidence was found that casinos caused a significant rise in       violent crimes. However, alcohol consumption and gambling addiction could indirectly contribute to occasional outbursts of violence, especially in casinos with high concentrations of alcohol consumption.

• Other Observations:The report also suggested that crime impacts were often more pronounced in cities that had less effective policing or where casinos were less regulated.

5. A Study on Indiana by the Journal of Economics (2010)

A study conducted in Indiana examined the impact of riverboat casinos on crime in nearby communities after they were legalized.

• Study Findings:

• Crime Increases: The study found that property crimes such as larceny and fraud increased  by 6-7% in counties with casinos.

• Violent Crime:The impact on violent crime was minimal, with no statistically significant increase.

• Conclusion:The study suggested that while property crimes did increase, casinos had   relatively little effect on violent crimes. The authors concluded that  other factors, such as local economic conditions or the introduction of other forms of entertainment, could also play a significant role.

6. Problem Gambling and Crime

• Problem Gambling as a Catalyst: Problem gambling has been frequently cited as a contributing factor to crime, especially crimes like theft, fraud, and embezzlement, as individuals with gambling addictions resort to illegal  means to fund their habits. Research shows that areas with high concentrations of casinos may have higher incidences of problem gambling, which in turn could fuel crime rates.

• A Study by The National Council on Problem Gambling(2016):

• This study found that about 30% of individuals with severe gambling problems reported committing crimes, including theft,  fraud, or embezzlement, in order to support their gambling.

• Crime Rate Estimates: Areas with a higher concentration of casinos saw higher rates of       financial crimes and fraud, with problem gamblers potentially responsible for a disproportionate amount of criminal activity.

7. Mixed Findings and Contextual Factors

• Context Matters: Several studies suggest that the impact of casinos on crime is highly  contextual. Factors such as the socioeconomic status of the local population, the effectiveness of law enforcement, and the level of regulation of the casino industry all play a role in determining whether crime rates increase significantly.

• The Role of Economic Development: Some regions with casinos experience a reduction in      certain types of crime due to the job creation and economic development that casinos bring. For example, areas like Nevada and parts of Mississippi have reported lower crime rates in some instances due to the economic benefits associated with casinos.

8. Conclusion

Overall, research indicates that casinos are generally associated with a rise in certain types of crime, particularly property crimes and some public order offenses. However, the correlation is not universally strong, and many studies emphasize the importance of contextual factors, including law enforcement practices, economic conditions, and the nature of the gambling market.

• While there is a correlation between the establishment of casinos and crime in some cases, it’s often difficult to establish a direct causality. The evidence suggests that casinos are one of many    factors that may influence local crime rates.

• More research, especially in localized and more controlled environments, is necessary to fully understand the nuanced relationship between gambling establishments and crime in different      regions.