U.S. polls shows favourable view of casino gaming

According to a nationwide poll conducted by political pollsters Mark Mellman and Glen Bolger, votes across the political spectrum view casino gaming more favourably than ever before.

The vast majority of voters recognise that casino gaming creates jobs, strengthens local businesses and benefits communities.

The findings are timely as the American Gaming Association (AGA) releases the latest nationwide gross gaming revenues which increased one percent from $37.34 billion in 2012 to $37.78 billion in 2013.

“Voters recognize that casinos are a mainstream form of entertainment and an economic driver that supports jobs and boosts growth in communities across the nation,” said Geoff Freeman, president and chief executive officer of the AGA. “Casino visitors are a portrait of the American electorate, and voters are giving policymakers permission to treat casinos like any other business. The AGA will aggressively pave the way for policies that reflect voters’ favorable view of gaming, protects jobs and promotes innovation.”

Democratic pollster Mark Mellman, chief executive officer of the Mellman Group, and Republican pollster Glen Bolger, founder and partner of Public Opinion Strategies, ran the national telephone survey from 17-22 May 2014. Key findings include:

–   By a 2-1 margin, American voters view casino gaming favorably;
–   More than 70 percent of voters recognize that casinos create jobs;
–   Nearly 60 percent of voters know that casinos boost local economies;
–   The majority said casinos shouldn’t pay more taxes than other businesses.

“Across partisan, ideological and geographic divisions, the vast majority agree that gaming is acceptable,” said Mellman. “Voters overwhelmingly believe casinos have a positive effect on local communities. Nearly two-thirds of casino visitors leave the property to patronize neighboring local small businesses and other attractions.”

An interesting snapshot of the typical casino visitor also emerged from the poll. Findings include:

–   Homeowners: Nearly two-in-three casino visitors own a home;
–   Younger: Most are 21-59—target audiences businesses are trying to reach;
–   Middle class: A plurality earns $60-$99k/year and 70 percent say they’re middle class;
–   College graduates: Nearly half – 16 percent more than national rate—holds a bachelor’s degree;
–   Religious: Two-thirds of casino visitors attend church; 25 percent are evangelical or born again Christians.

“Casino visitors aren’t who some think they are,” said Bolger. “Most casino visitors are between the ages of 21 and 59, and a plurality earns $60-99k a year. They’re also well educated, churchgoing voters who volunteer and contribute to their communities. And when they gamble, nearly three-quarters of visitors set a budget before they walk in the door.”

The national survey kicks off the AGA’s “Get to Know Gaming” campaign, an aggressive effort to promote the value of the gaming industry, combat outdated stereotypes and pave the way for gaming’s next generation (see previous reports).

More information on the survey is available at www.gettoknowgaming.org