The Casino Gaming Industry: A Study of Political Economy

Abstract

This article examines the economic characteristics, the political environment, and the social effects that have prevailed around the legal casino gaming industry in Nevada in recent years. Important factors that have led to changes in the financing, ownership, and acceptability of the casino industry over the past two decades are examined, as are many of the arguments for and against the legalization of casino gambling in new jurisdictions in the United States. Some comparisons are made between the casino industry found in Nevada and the more regulated Atlantic City industry, and observations are made concerning the possible economic and regulatory framework that may prevail if and when casino gambling is legalized elsewhere in the United States.