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Expert: California Casino's Economic Impact Minimal4 September 2001COACHELLA, California – Sept. 4, 2001 –As reported by the (California) Desert Sun: "The economic impact of a proposed casino near Coachella could be muted because it is unlikely to draw new money into the area, according to a gambling expert. "Paragon Gaming of Las Vegas and the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians plan to open a locals casino near Van Buren Street at 54th Avenue near Coachella by mid-2002. "…The casino is expected to create more than 310 jobs. That figure does not include people who will be employed building the casino. "But because the casino owners plan to market their product to Coachella-area patrons instead of tourists, the economic benefit to the surrounding community will be limited. "`Locals casinos cater to local demand,' said Bill Eadington, director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling at the University of Nevada, Reno. `They do not stimulate the local economy so much as shifting spending around.' "…Paragon, led by Diana Bennett, the daughter of a prominent Las Vegas casino owner, felt the Augustine reservation was more suited for local traffic than tourists. "… Bennett said the casino, like other locals gambling outlets, will emphasize low-cost food and gambling and encourage repeat business. "… The Augustine casino will be the sixth casino in the Coachella Valley. It is the first to have operators announce their intention to exclusively target local customers…" |