Society Benefits from Legalized Gambling

English 121

Ms. Sara Stephens

Argumentative paper

Society Benefits from Legalized Gambling

I think that cities should allow more gambling casinos because society does benefit from them. Some people ask do the economic benefits justify the social costs of the ever growing industry of gambling? Opponents will argue that increased availability of gambling, access to funds and expanded hours of operation have led to an increase in pathological gambling. While this might seem like a logical assumption to some, it is not valid. (Fahrenkopf p.113) The economic benefits are far greater than the social costs, and the gambling industry will enhance society as a whole. Gambling casinos bring better investment and economic developments which cities benefit from, as well as create jobs, and enhance tax revenues.

Jobs are an economic benefit that the gambling industry generates in areas that have high unemployment. Industry representatives have often identified employment and economic activity as the principal benefit to the economy. Most analysis of the gambling industry is typically based on input-output relationships at the national or regional level. (Fraser 6b) This is especially true when casinos are being built. The fields of employment range from construction (casino and hotel building), internal and external building and ground maintenance, card dealers, security, hotel, office, and management personnel. Employment in the American gambling industry is comparable to other industries in terms of wages and benefits. Annual salaries averaged $26,000 in the largest casinos, $20,500 in smaller commercial casinos, and $18,000 in tribal casinos. In 1996, more than half a million people were employed by the legal gambling industry and earned more than $15 billion in wages.

The investment and economic development benefits are generated by short supply and high demand for goods and services from the patrons who gamble, and the employees who work at these gambling entities. The variety of goods and services demanded can be gasoline, grocery, restaurants, entertainment, bank services, or cheap overnight accommodations. This short supply and high demand indicate a diverse financial market where profits can be made. Profits that exist within the diverse financial market give cause for people to make the investments in different business entities. In Chicago, Mayor Richard Daley hopes that his city can reap the economic benefits of a casino soon. He has joined up with business and labor groups to back plans of a casino on Lake Michigan that they estimate would generate up to $1 billion a year for the state and local economies (Lannan 3).

Enhanced tax revenues are another economic benefit generated by the gambling industry, because gambling entities pay substantial taxes to the local, state, and federal government agencies. These agencies use the tax revenues to enhance the public school systems, buildings, streets, transportation, and social services. The added tax revenue generated by gambling has aided in keeping personal income rates from increasing. An example of a gambling entity that does help support the school system is in Indiana. On August 7th, 2005 it was the ceremonial groundbreaking in French Lick for the state's newest casino. Accordingly to reporter Michele