Residents’ Support for Legalized Gaming and Perceived Impacts of Riverboat Casinos: Changes in Five Years

Abstract

Modern riverboat casinos have been in operation since 1991. This study investigates the changes in residents’ perceived impacts of riverboat casinos on community quality over time. Data were collected in 1993 (n = 231) and 1998 (n = 272) from randomly selected residents in Iowa and Illinois. Residents were significantly less positive about the legalization of gaming in these states in 1998 than in 1993. Of the 24 community quality attributes rated, five underlying factors were identified, and three of these were rated as significantly worse in 1998 than in 1993. Multiple linear regression analysis results indicate that respondents’ perceptions on “free of crime” and “community amenities and activities” were significant predictors of their support for legalized gaming. Implications for gaming proponents and opponents are provided.