Resident Support for Gambling as a Tourism Development Strategy

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine resident support for gambling as a function of the perceived impacts of gambling and the quality of contact between resi dents and gamblers, controlling for levels of personal benefits and the perceived future of the community. Key positive impacts of gambling identified in this research included the number of jobs available for local residents, recreational and cultural opportunities, and the preservation of historical buildings and structures. Negative impacts included increases in the cost of living, traffic congestion, driving hazards, crime, and noise levels. A regres sion model was estimated of resident support for gambling development as a function of personal benefits, perceived future of the community, gambling impacts, and quality of contact with gambling.