 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! |
Gaming News
Expert: Casinos Must Consider Customers14 February 2003PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – As reported by the Pawtucket Times: "If a state such as Rhode Island is going to enter the casino market, it probably shouldn't try to do it on the cheap, or skim off more than its fair share of the revenue, an internationally known gaming expert told the Special House Commission to Study Gaming on Wednesday. "William R. Eadington said there are many reasons for permitting or expanding legalized gambling, including revenue enhancement, job creation, economic development or even just to drive out illegal gambling. "But in the end, he said, it usually happens because people want to gamble. "`The expansion of permitted gaming is ultimately driven by the fact that a high proportion of citizens want to spend their money gaming rather than doing other things,' Eadington said. `It is important for legislative bodies to keep that in mind. Quite often the last person considered in a discussion of gambling policy is the consumer himself or herself. Their interests get shuffled to the back of the priorities.' "…Simply maximizing the revenue to the state from a casino operation, Eadington said, `will probably create an unattractive gaming industry. "`If the state's only motivation is to maximize revenue that accrues to the state,' he counseled the commission, `then you should probably authorize slot machines in bars and taverns throughout the state and you should exploit people who are willing to spend in that environment.' "…On the other hand, he said, `an attractive gaming industry is one that offers a variety of non-gaming amenities along with gambling products.'…" |