Exploring Casino Impact Perceptions of a Unique Population

Abstract

This study is an investigation of the impact perceptions of Social Service Providers, Law Enforcement Officers, and Economic Development Officers to acquire a wide spectrum of community views. In doing so, this study advances the literature by examining this unique population's perceptions of casino gambling impacts and factors driving those perceptions, and their support for casinos in general using the social exchange theory framework. The results suggest that officers who have worked with gamblers tend to agree more with the economic benefits. A partial support for social exchange theory is also noted. The results have important implications for the casino operators, casino opponents, and the policy makers.