Opinions on riverboat casinos and the perceived impacts on community quality by Quad Cities residents

Abstract

Numerous studies on perceptions and attitudes of residents towards the impacts of tourism have been conducted over the past few years. Few studies of the perceived impacts of casino gambling can be found, and very little is known about the opinions and perceptions of residents regarding legalized riverboat casinos and their impacts on the host community. Therefore, the purposes of the present study were as follows: 1. Determine the opinions of Quad Cities residents about legalized riverboat casinos in their communities; 2. Determine the perceptions of residents on the importance of community quality attributes; 3. Determine the perceptions of residents on the positive and the negative impacts of legalized riverboat casinos on community quality attributes; 4. Examine the differences of opinions between residents of the Iowa and Illinois sides of the Quad Cities about legalized riverboat casinos and their impacts; and 5. Provide recommendations to local authorities and interest groups considering the legalization of riverboat casinos as part of tourism development.