Abstract
Over the last decade, there has been a boom in casino gambling and it has been one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. Proponents have pointed to job development and economic growth as rationales for entry into new jurisdictions. In addition to social and moral retorts, opponents have cited the negative impact on local restaurants as a major reason for limiting casino development. It is claimed that casinos have a detrimental affect on food and beverage businesses in a community. While this rationale has been put forth many times, there is little empirical evidence to either prove, or disprove, this claim. This article analyzes the effects of casino development on food and beverage activity in the state of Mississippi. More specifically, it will assess the levels of economic activity, in the form of employment, payroll, and number of establishments by the food and beverage industry, both before and after legalization of casino gaming.
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