NCJ Number
126317
Date Published
1989
Length
30 pages
Annotation
The paper examines the paradox between a general American public support of legalized gambling and the repeated failure of voters to ratify proposals to legalize casinos. Several models of campaigns to open casinos are described.
Abstract
American campaigns supporting casinos have relied upon popular referenda regarding gambling policy decisions and have promoted the American model of casino gambling represented by Atlantic City and Las Vegas. In contrast, in the European model, casinos do not overwhelm civic life in their communities and they cater to a more exclusive audience, eliminating many of the social problems accompanying gambling in the U.S. Should the European model be packaged for the American electorate, legalized casinos could become a reality in the U.S. The first step would be to eliminate the word "casino" from the campaign, as it conjures up negative images related to Las Vegas gambling operations. In Ely, Minnesota, a campaign to build a casino emphasized tight government regulation, strict admission guidelines, and credit line controls combined with personal financial capabilities. Similarly, proposals to establish casinos in Lorain, Ohio, Pueblo, Colorado, and Detroit were based to some extent on the European model. This article proposes a model for casinos in Detroit that would fully adapt the European model to American realities. These small restricted casinos, owned by the city government and operated under contract, would be restricted to special areas within larger facilities, would be operated in a way not to compete with local industries, and would establish admission requirements including dress code, patron limit, and admission tickets. Public media advertising would be prohibited. Finally, the proposal, rather than calling for casino gambling, actually advocates an extension of Michigan law allowing Millionaire Charity parties; net profits would be designated for municipal projects. 1 appendix