Local culture and tax avoidance: Evidence from gambling preference behavior

Abstract

We examine the association between local gambling preference culture and corporate tax avoidance. Using a firm's county-level Catholics-to-Protestants ratio as a proxy for local gambling preferences, we find a positive and significant association between local gambling preference and corporate tax avoidance activities. Our main result is driven by a high risk-taking channel and is most pronounced for firms experiencing financial constraints. Finally, we find that improved owners-managers alignment strengthens the link between local gambling preference and tax avoidance.