Publication Date
9-2009
Committee Members
Henry Renski, Chair - Ellen Pader, Member
Abstract
This project uses spatial analysis tools to examine the impact of casino development on the demographic make-up of local communities. This was conducted in order to inform future casino communities as to how their communities may be impacted by casino development. First, this project uses Geographic Information System (GIS) based methods of descriptive spatial analysis to analyze demographic changes over time to see what, if any, economic and demographic impacts may likely occur around a casino. Second, this project also interviews key local officials in casino communities to gain on the ground incite regarding the impacts of casinos. While the GIS data suggested that some demographic changes occurred over time, most of the measures selected for this study did not show noticeable spatial shifts. The GIS spatial analysis and the interviews combined provided different perspectives on what to expect when legalizing casinos, although, both approaches yielded the same basic conclusions.