Crime Rates

U.S. News and World Report did a comparison of crime rates in cities with gambling versus those that do not. The crime rates were significantly higher in the places that allowed gambling. Industry researchers dispute the view that cities with gambling have higher crime rates and assert that the rates aren't higher when the tourist population is considered. The article failed to consider that these cities are vacation destinations and their population is swollen by the influx of tourists.

Atlantic City showed a jump in crime when gambling was legalized. The city went from 50th in the nation in per capita crime to first. But when the number of tourists are taken into account, Atlantic City doesn't appear to have a crime rate that is much different from other cities.

In Deadwood, there were significant increases in crime and violence when gambling was

legalized. The researcher acknowledges that the influx of people may be the cause. Another possible cause is the boom-town atmosphere.

Another researcher has pointed out that the crime that is attributable to compulsive gamblers is often underreported. This includes bad checks, embezzlement, check forgery and fraud. The crime rate is usually for street crimes, which aren't typically attributed to compulsive gamblers.

As noted in the economic section, Australia legalized a number of casinos. As such it offers a kind of a laboratory to see the results of expanded legal gaming. There was a noted increase in minor crimes, including vandalism and property damage by casino patrons. That may just reflect the growing number of tourists. There was not a big crime wave or any infiltration by organized crime.