NCJ Number
168119
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 5 Dated: (1996) Pages: 431-436
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study measures the impact of casinos on crime in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Abstract
Data were collected on 118 criminal offenses. Overall, there was no increase in crime rates during the first 2 years of casino operations. A substantial decrease in crime rates was noted during the first full year of casinos, but crime rates appeared to have returned to the pre-casino level in the second year. Of the 118 offenses initially selected for examination, 31 were not tested because each of them had occurred 10 or fewer times during the 9-year period under review. Of the remaining offenses, 12 increased and seven decreased for 2 years following the introduction of casinos; 68 offenses changed little, or were statistically insignificant if changed. When the offenses were grouped into 11 broad categories, the test revealed a significant decrease in mischiefs and a significant increase in robberies following casinos. In the remaining nine categories, as well as the total of all offenses, the outcome was inconclusive. The long-term impact of casinos in Biloxi is yet to be tested. Tables, references