Community Responsibility
Indiana's casinos are strong partners with the state and its communities. In addition to creating economic benefits, the casinos demonstrate community commitment through responsible gaming initiatives, voluntary financial contributions and nonprofit involvement.
Q&A
Below are some commonly asked questions about the gaming
industry in general and casino gaming in particular.
Q: Who visits Indiana's riverboat casinos?
A: In 2001 alone, more than 19 million people visited
Indiana's 10 casinos. The average patron takes
2.1 cruises per visit, resulting in 41 million admissions
annually to all of Indiana's casinos. According to the National
Gambling Impact Study Commission Report issued summer 1999,
the average household income of commercial casino patrons
is about one-third higher than the national average household
income. The communications efforts of Indiana's
casinos reach this audience.
Q: Why does the industry call itself "gaming"?
A: Gambling can occur in an unregulated or minimally
regulated environment. Gaming, however, is a highly regulated
industry. All casinos and their employees must be licensed
and follow strict regulations developed by the state. In
addition, gaming is multi-dimensional. Indiana casinos generally
feature restaurants, hotels and live performances - a complete
entertainment package.
Q. Are gaming and bankruptcy related?
A: Legalized gaming and bankruptcy rates have grown
recently, leading some to theorize the two trends may be
linked. A study released by the U.S. Treasury Department
in August 1999 found a statistically weak relationship between
frequent gaming and bankruptcy. The National Gambling Impact
Study Commission Report issued summer 1999 supports this
finding.
Q. Does the presence of casinos affect crime rates in
the host communities?
A: Crime does not necessarily increase with the presence
of a casino in a community. For example, in a 1998 report
issued by the IU Center for Urban Policy and the Environment,
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Gary's chief
of police states that Majestic Star Casino's presence has
not contributed to additional crime activity in the neighborhood
surrounding the casino. In addition, in testimony
before the Interim Study Committee on Economic Issues in
October 1999, Gary Mayor Scott King testified that Gary,
a community in which two casinos operate, has not seen an
increase in crime, but rather a significant decrease.
Q: How often do casino patrons seek help for
problem gaming?
A: According to research done on behalf of the Indiana
Gambling Impact Study Commission, which released its findings
in December 1999, 365 people have enrolled in state-certified
gaming treatment programs since 1997. In that same time,
millions of people visited Indiana casinos. Through
the admission tax, casino gaming is the only form
of gaming in the state that provides funding to help prevent
problem gaming and to treat those who do take gaming to
this level. The admission tax also pays for the 1-800-9-WITH-IT
referral line.
If you would like answers to other questions specifically
about the casino industry in Indiana, contact the Casino
Association of Indiana at: info@CasinoAssociation.org.