Atlantic City hasn't benefited from casinos

[zengrifter]

Atlantic City hasn't benefited from casinos

NOVEMBER 30, 2010 | (Dead link: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101130/OPINION02/11300316/Atlantic-City-hasn-t-benefited-from-casinos) _www.mycentraljersey.com
_
In 1976 residents voted for casino gambling in Atlantic City. In doing so the idea was to revitalize a depressed city with substandard housing and double-digit unemployment. Even though current casino profits are down, in 2009 eleven casinos brought in over $3.9 billion in revenue.

Double-digit unemployment continues, and dilapidated housing is still second-rate for many or those residents. In 35 years, many of them pre-recession years, the benefits of that revenue still hasn't filtered down to the surrounding communities as promised.

The majority of residents and businesses have not seen any change in their communities. Urban decay surrounding the casinos has not improved, and many residents who thought in 1976 they would see neighborhood improvements aren't any better off. Taxes are not much lower, the streets are not any cleaner, and neighborhood security has not improved much. Many local businesses have closed or been boarded up as casino stores compete against them.

MORE- (Dead link: http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101130/OPINION02/11300316/Atlantic-City-hasn-t-benefited-from-casinos)

 

[21forme]

Prior to the economic downturn, there were plenty of unfilled jobs available in AC. Those that wished to lead productive lives had the opportunity. You can only lead a horse to water...

 

[blackchipjim]

social decay

The big casino lie is prevelant among the politician's bag of lies. One has to weigh the benefits against the fallout from having gambling a part of thier culture. This is not limited to non-indian casinos either. I thought that when the indian run casino was up and running the area would benefit from it. I was wrong and the town is still run down and the houses are still in disrepair. I have to wonder if the towns just squander the taxs or if the casinos just don't pay any?

 

[Baberuth]

Casino Benefits or Silver Handcuffs

Google it. Tell all news about Indian casinos around the country, just like you say Blackchip.

Babe

 

[moo321]

It's pretty messed up, but yeah the casinos don't usually help the community. Especially when they're put into an urban area.

 

[alwayssplitaces]

AC had the chance to become the next Vegas back when it was the only other legal place to gamble in the US. It has what Vegas doesn't -- a beach. It's also not ridiculously hot 6 months of the year, and has many large cities within a 4 hour drive.