The Majority of Americans Accept Casino Gaming

87% of the Americans accept casinos according to a survey conducted by AGA

The American Gaming Association (AGA), comprised of a couple of high class casino companies in the US, has recently conducted a nation-wide survey which shows that the majority of the Americans are okay with casinos and casino gaming.

“The survey points out that 87% of the American residents view playing casino games as an acceptable activity. According to the American Gaming Association, the numbers are the best so far for the casino industry.”

“Voters recognize that casinos are a mainstream form of entertainment and an economic driver that supports jobs and boosts growth in communities across the nation,” said Geoff Freeman, the president of AGA in a press release. “Casino visitors are a portrait of the American electorate, and voters are giving policymakers permission to treat casinos like any other business.”

“We shouldn’t be defensive,” added Freeman. “People have seen the benefit of having casinos in their states and we should do our best to promote the industry.”

The news is released almost a month after the organization said that it would give up the support of the public for legalizing online gambling in the US. Some individual members of the organization like MGM and Caesars said that they would continue to push the issue. On the other hand, others like Las Vegas Sands continue to oppose the idea of playing online casino games.

The Mellman Group conducted the survey together with co-owner Glen Bolger from Public Opinion Strategy.

What the Survey Revealed

The survey of the AGA revealed that more than 70 percent of the people involved believe that casinos create jobs and 60 percent of them think that casinos boost local economies.

“The vast majority of voters agree that gaming is acceptable,” said Democratic pollster Mark Mellman, CEO of the Mellman Group. “Voters overwhelmingly believe casinos have a positive effect on local communities. Nearly two-thirds of casino visitors leave the property to patronize neighboring local small businesses and other attractions.”

According to the figures, the gross gaming revenues of commercial casinos in US went up 1% from $37.34 billion two years ago to $37.78 billion last year. The numbers, however, don’t include the revenues of tribal casinos that also bring in a lot of millions each year.

The pool of the AGA comes from its members that belong to individual US states like Massachusetts, Maryland and New York. The states allow more casino gaming within their borders. For instance, state officials in Massachusetts liked the idea of casino gaming and gave thumbs up to three casinos and a slot parlor. However, some voters opposed to the idea of having casinos in their states.

Who is the typical casino visitor?

The survey also reveals that casino visitors are people aged between 21 and 59 and a plurality earns $60-99k a year. “They are educated and some go to church and contribute to their communities,” said Bolger. In addition, nearly three-quarters of visitors set a budget before they visit a casino and gamble.