US: Voters view casino gaming more favourably than ever before

The timely findings come as many state policymakers begin to re-examine punitive gaming taxes, inefficient regulations and other threats to casinos in an increasingly competitive environment. The results also come at the same time the American Gaming Association is releasing the latest gross gaming revenue numbers in Nevada, which increased from US$ 10.86 billion in 2012 to US$ 11.14 billion last year. In Reno, revenues grew from US$ 727 million in 2012 to US$ 753 million in 2013. 

“Voters recognize what Nevadans already know: 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, president and CEO of the AGA.  “Casino visitors are a portrait of the American electorate, voters are giving policymakers permission to treat casinos like any other business. The AGA will aggressively pave the way for policies that reflect voters’ favorable view of gaming, protects jobs and promotes innovation.”

The national telephone survey was conducted by Democratic pollster Mark Mellman, CEO of the Mellman Group, and Republican pollster Glen Bolger, founder and partner of Public Opinion Strategies. Key findings include:

•      By a 2-1 margin, American voters view casino gaming favorably;

•      More than 70 percent of voters recognize that casinos create jobs; and

•      Nearly 60 percent of voters know that casinos boost local economies.

“Across partisan, ideological and geographic divisions, the vast majority agree that gaming is acceptable,” said Mellman. “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.”

“We create games at IGT with the understanding that casino patrons and players have varied and sophisticated tastes, a broad range of entertainment knowledge and experiences, and a genuine intellectual curiosity about innovation,” said Joe Sigrist, IGT VP of Game Development and Global Product Management.  “Providing exciting entertainment for players is all the more gratifying when we recognize the positive impact that casinos have on local economies and job creation.”

Who is the typical casino visitor? 

.      Homeowners: Nearly two-in-three casino visitors own a home;

“Casino visitors aren’t who some think they are,” said Bolger. “Most casino visitors are between the ages of 21 and 59, and a plurality earns US$ 60-99k a year. They’re also well educated, churchgoing voters who volunteer and contribute to their communities. And when they gamble, nearly three-quarters of visitors set a budget before they walk in the door.”

The executive summary, national survey and the survey methodology are available online at www.gettoknowgaming.org. The national survey kicks off the AGA’s “Get to Know Gaming” campaign – an aggressive effort to promote the value of the gaming industry, combat outdated stereotypes and pave the way for gaming’s next generation