Survey Shows US Tourism Driven by Casino Gambling

A survey of the attitudes of US residents toward casino gambling found that the vast majority believe gaming to be a primary attraction to tourists.

The recent survey by the American Gaming Association shows that US residents believe casino gambling to be essential to the national tourism industry. Residents also feel strongly that casinos have helped the economies of states they operate in, and play a major role in travelers selecting destinations.

When asked, "How important do you think the casino industry is in terms of the overall travel and tourism industry in the U.S.?", respondents chose very or somewhat important two to one over only a little or not at all. Tourism professional went even stronger for the need for gambling, as eighty-four percent said at least somewhat important.

Three-quarters of both the general response and that of travel agents agreed that casinos attract tourists, who visit other sites in the area and propel the overall economy.
 
Respondents from states without casinos felt their states would benefit from introduction of casinos, both in the tourist industry and in the general local economy.

Less than ten percent of those polled felt casinos would discourage visitors or in any way hurt the local economy, said the AGA results. The survey also found eighty-one percent thought casino gambling acceptable, while only seventeen percent thought it should not be available.