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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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April 2006 |
Casino study details cost, benefits to state
Riverboat casinos cost Indiana $1 million worth of crime each week, according to an analysis of Indiana's casino industry commissioned by state lawmakers. Overall, however, the study found the state's 10 gambling boats provided a net benefit of more than $700 million for the fiscal year that ended in June 2005 (Indianapolis Star).
The analysis, intended to present a neutral view of gambling in Indiana, concluded what many in the industry have long contended: the costs, including bankruptcies and poor mental health, are significant but are far overshadowed by the $763 million of additional yearly tax revenue that the casinos generate. But, considering the relatively short amount of time given to Indianapolis-based consultant Policy Analytics LLC to do the study - seven months - the results likely are not the last word in Indiana's ongoing debate over legalized gambling.
The state had the fourth-largest casino revenue in fiscal year 2005, behind Nevada, New Jersey and Mississippi. (Howey Political Report DailyWire).
The report, "A Benefit-Cost Analysis of Indiana's Riverboat Casinos for FY2005," was presented March 7 in the Indiana House of Representatives by Rep. Peggy Welch of Bloomington and Rep. Ralph Ayres, a United Methodist, of Chesterton. Both requested the study last year. A PDF copy of the report is available online at www.in.gov/legislative/igareports/agency/reports/IGC02.pdf.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008