Below is an article that details the growing gap between lottery profits and aid for education in New York state. While the revenues for the New York lottery have soared in recent years, the percentage that is allotted to the schools of New York has remain unchanged. The article also chronicles the ongoing debate over lotteries in the state of New York and is a great read for anyone looking to see the impacts of lotteries on education.
Focus
Illinois Lottery gains overwhelming majority of revenue from poorer areas
This article by The Chicago Tribune outlines how poorer neighborhoods are bringing in the stark majority of sales, showing that the most disadvantaged in the Chicago community are often the most exploited by the lottery.
2013 IL Lottery – poorer neighborhoods bring in most revenue
Survey of literature on the economics of lotteries
Below is a survey and summary of the many existing works regarding the economic impacts of lotteries in the US. It underscores the need for more unbiased research in this area, as well as giving an informative look into the how lotteries impact the economics of towns, states, and the country as a whole.
2012 The Economics of Lotteries- A Survey of the Literature 2-20-2012
Homeowners see less-than-expected tax relief from casinos
Homeowners in Pennsylvania were hopeful, after a law was passed in 2006 that dictated the distribution of fund from casinos, that they would finally see a sizable reduction in their property taxes. It was break they needed, however, it was not one they received. Now, according to this article by the Pocono Record, homeowners are becoming more disappointed with the tax relief, or lack thereof, they are getting from casinos in their community.
2012 Gambling tax relief falls short of expectations for struggling homeowners
Investigation of Iowa Lottery shows improvements need to be made
This in-depth, exhaustive study of the Iowa Lottery shows that the lottery has to make improvements to protect its customers and its integrity. The author uses the investigation to create a list of improvements the lottery can make to improve. Take some time to read this interesting investigation.
A look into the economic and fiscal impacts of casino gambling
This report, from Wichita State University, gives an unbiased and detailed look into the economic and fiscal impacts of casino gambling in Kansas. It gives a balanced and nonpartisan look at how casinos impact the area around them. Below is the report followed by FAQ’s answered by the author.
2007 Wichita State Univ Fiscal and Economic Impact Study
2010 Wichita State University FAQ of study on city impacts of a casino
2010 Wichita State University More FAQ of study on city impacts of a casino
New study reveals economic impacts of Philadelphia casino
Below is an informative study from Temple University that delves into the economic impacts of the Foxwoods Casino in Philadelphia, PA. After examining all the evidence, the study concludes that the claims that casinos will bring in revenue and jobs is based on incorrect assumptions made by casino owners. It serves to prove the need for studies of casinos independent of special interests.
Gambling is the deadliest addiction
Below is one of the best analyses explaining why gambling addiction has the highest rate of suicide of all the addictions. The psychological effects of problem gambling can be extremely harmful, and the feeling of despair that comes with gambling away all of one’s money is toxic. This article by The Fix is a must-read for anyone looking to understand why so many gambling addicts consider taking their own lives.
Mega Failure: Why Lotteries Are A Bad Bet For State Budgets
Below is a great, concise piece by Think Progress, a political blog of the Center for American Progress, about how lotteries have been a major policy failure because they are highly regressive and are an unsustainable revenue source, ultimately worsening state budget imbalances.
2012 Mega Failure- Why Lotteries Are A Bad Bet For State Budgets
American Gaming Association head exposed for lying about the make-up of casino customers
Gambling operators are the only business that endlessly tries to draw attention away from what their business actually does. No one practices this deceit more than the American Gaming Association. Former AGA head Frank Fahrenkopf was exposed in a Miami Herald story in which he was quoted as saying:”the majority of people traveling to these ‘destination resorts’ are not going for the primary purpose of gambling.” He made the claim amid an intense lobbying campaign for casinos in Florida. PolitFact investigated his claim and not surprisingly, found it to be untrue for casinos outside of Las Vegas.
2013 Gambling advocate says most people go to high-end casinos for amenities, not gambling