Penn Casino Gambling Results Disprove Fears of Rising Crime
Opponents of gaming expansions are known for their demagogic exhortations against the social damage and increased crime caused by casino gambling. But once again, real world experience shows that those fears are more myth than fact, as officials in another casino region have nothing but praise for the impact gambling has had on their community.
After almost two years of gambling operations at the Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania, leaders from the township of Paradise say the casino has caused no crime increase, while generating many benefits for the area.
District Judge John Whitesell admits he expected criminal activities to skyrocket once the casino opened. After all, gambling foes had told him day and night how pernicious and evil gaming could be. But he says legal gambling has had no effect on crime and arrests.
"I get more from the local high school for God's sake," Whitesell told the Express-Times with a laugh. "Seriously."
State police Sergeant Brian Cawley verified Whitesell's statement, saying any change was negligible, with no increase in criminal activity or even traffic incidents.
Meanwhile, the casino has added 900 permanent jobs to the rural area, and county commissioners credit the casino developer with investing millions on road improvements benefiting the entire county. Paradise also receives $780,000 as the host town for Mount Airy.
The Paradise experience mirrors that of Bossier City, Louisiana, and Hallendale, Florida, where civic leaders have praised the casinos operating there for contributing greatly to community improvements and adding jobs while having absolutely no negative effects from crime.
"Did Mount Airy hurt our area? No," said Monroe County Commission Chairman Suzanne McCool. "Did Mount Airy help our area? Yes."
