Casino Gaming: Policy, Economics and Regulation

Spurred by recent proliferation of casino gaming, the public and policy makers are beginning to question whether legalized casinos are good for their community, state and country. Yet this debate rages without most participants having an understanding of the potential benefits and burdens of either legalizing or outlawing gambling. The book provides insight and a framework for understanding such controversial issues as dysfunctional gambling, crime, criminal involvement in casino operations and environmental impacts. It also addresses social benefits of casino gaming, such as providing recreation, stress release, social interaction and economic benefits, such as increased tourism, employment and tax revenues. Separate chapters address how the government can assess and collect gaming tax revenues. It also covers three other important areas, the economics, politics, and regulation of legal casino gaming. The first addresses the impact that the government regulation of casinos will have on a free market economy. This chapter was co-authored by UNLV Economics Professor Ricardo Gazel. The second discusses the politics of regulating casinos. In other words, what pressures may be placed on the political process by casinos, organized labor, suppliers and others interested in affecting casino laws and regulations and what methods can check these political influences. The remainder of the book addresses how to regulate the gaming industry. Included are chapters on licensing, gaming devices, accounting and casino crimes.