In July of 2004, the PA legislature passed Act 71, which mandated licenses for 14 gambling facilities in PA, two of those in Philadelphia. Hundreds of city residents opposed to the two Las Vegas sized casinos coming to their city. January 24th 2008, Philadelphia Mayor, Michael Nutter revoked a key city license for the controversial project. This action put a stop in the development of casinos in Philadelphia. Having casinos in Philadelphia would have a positive effect on the city of Philadelphia. The city will benefit from the revenue and jobs the casinos would generate. Philadelphians need to approve this development project and make sure that it continues.
Bright lights, money and attractive women, are things commonly associated with casino gambling. Most people have a negative out look on gambling. People believe that the only things associated with gambling are card games, illegal bookies and generally a very sleazy lifestyle, but they fail to realize the benefits of gambling. The question that generates most concern among economists is the question of whether or not gambling has a positive effect on economies. Economists divide gambling into seven categories including; commercial casinos, tribal casinos, lotteries, parimutals, charitable gambling, Internet gambling and illegal gambling (Farenkoph). When concerning the economy, most focus on commercial casino gambling. There are two cities in particular that are the common target of economists when it comes to gambling, Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both cities are paramount examples of gambling having a positive effect on their respective economies.
Research conducted by Roger Dunstan under the California Research Bureau, presents information that represents both the beneficial and harmful effects of gambling on the economy. When analyzing this data, one must consider the types of environments being studied. For example, in a desert state such as Nevada, the economic benefits of having...