This post explores research findings on crime rates in and around casino towns:
Crime Increases: A study by two renowned economists (Grinols and Mustard) [1] shows that after a “honeymoon period,” crime rates in casino towns increase dramatically 5–7 years after the casino opens. Increased crime rates include:
Other Neighboring Town Impacts: The City of Norwich (near Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun) copes with significant impacts as well. City officials estimate casino-related costs to be anywhere from $1 million to $2.5 million a year. They include: [2]
- Aggravated assaults increased by 114%
- Robbery increased by 161%
- Larceny increased by 53%
- Murders increased by 22%
- Burglary increased by 54%
- Auto theft increased by 92%
Other Neighboring Town Impacts: The City of Norwich (near Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun) copes with significant impacts as well. City officials estimate casino-related costs to be anywhere from $1 million to $2.5 million a year. They include: [2]
- A 27% increase in motor vehicle accidents from 1991 to 2004
- An increase in police overtime from $85,000 in 1991 to more than $280,000 in 2008
- A 76% increase in calls for service from people needing the assistance of the police from 1992 to 2004
1 http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=233792 (Grinols and Mustard download, p.14 Figure 6: Percentage increases calculated by dividing year one figures by year seven figures as reported by Grinols and Mustard).
2 Casino, Crime and Community Cost (Grinols and Mustard p.15-16 Figure 6)http://www.maine.com/editions/2006-05-15/images/20060531000107C.pdf
Find out what's happening in Tewksburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
3 Gambling in Connecticut: Analyzing the Economic and Social Impacts, Spectrum Gaming Group, 2009, (p. 124 average Foxwoods and Mohegan), (p.199), (p.13), (p.14), (p.210, p.215-218), (p.195 Figure 114) & (p.233
