Street crime, tourism and casinos: An empirical comparison

The mean crime rates of three tourist areas and two urban centers in New Jersey were examined to determine if the rates were significantly different and which types of crime have changed since the advent of tourism in Atlantic City.

Abstract

Only recently have researchers begun to study the "causes" of crime in tourist destinations, particularly in those areas which offer casino gaming. Critics, who cite the high crime rates of Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas, Nevada, fail to understand the relationship between tourism and crime. Casino gaming is a catalyst for tourism and one of the social consequences of tourism is increased crime.The mean crime rates of three tourist areas (including Atlantic City) and two urban centers in New Jersey were examined to determine if the rates were significantly different. Additionally, the study examined and identified which types of crime have changed since the advent of tourism in Atlantic City.Policy makers who reject gaming in favor of other mechanisms for urban revitalization need to take note. Tourist destinations have mean crime rates significantly different (higher) from urban areas, at least in New Jersey. Gaming-free tourism initiatives will have similar consequences for a community, as gaming has been identified to have had on Atlantic City.