NCJ Number
99879
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 49 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1985) Pages: 39-44
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
When controlling for the effects of police manpower, population, and Index crimes statewide, casino gambling has not been a direct cause of the increase in Index crimes in Atlantic City, N.J., from 1978 through 1982.
Abstract
This study obtained data on the number of Index crimes reported in Atlantic City from 1978 through 1982, changes in police manpower during this period, and changes in the average daily population of Atlantic City over the study period. Data were also obtained on changes in the number of hotel rooms, apartments, homes, and businesses during the period as well as the number of Index crimes reported in the rest of the State for 1978-82. Index crimes in Atlantic City sharply increased from 1978 through 1982. The number of police employees also rose, suggesting that more crimes were detected than in the past. The average daily population also increased sharply, as did crime in the rest of the State. The use of partial correlation statistics permitted the determination of any independent effect casinos may have had on the crime increase. The average daily population had the greatest direct effect on the crime increase. Casinos had a negligible effect on crime rates. Based on these findings, opposition to legalized casino gambling in other cities cannot be based on a reputed gambling-crime link. Two data tables and 20 references are presented.