Gambling in small town America.
A towns cure or the start of a social dilemma?
Gambling has taken a grip on American culture. Since the late 1980’s to early 2000’s little research has been done to see what social impact it has not only on the individual but a community. Everyone knows about big city gambling like in Las Vegas and Atlantic city. But what about rural America? Small towns like San Bernardino, Temecula, and many others. Does it increase overall life quality? Or does it bring the seedier part of humans. This study will examine 1) the impact that a Casino will bring to a community and 2) Does crime increase or decrease with a Casino in the community. The opening of gambling establishments usually does bring increase revenues, “Legalized gambling, especially casino gambling has provided increase employment” (Wolf 12) With such radical changes taking place are towns equip to handle the masses of people coming into their casinos? Criminals find it easier to commit crimes in a gambling environment. “Gambling is quite common among criminals, there is a fascination of gambling with others money” (McDonald 89) Cities need to make sure they are aware of the increase crime rate that may come with a casino and plan accordingly. Trouble starts at the first sign of wealth “Three kinds of trouble can be expected: street crime, organize crime and political corruption” (Buck 31) With Indian casinos coming to small towns these and other problems can be expected.