Socio-Economic Impact or Casinos in Mississippi

"George G. Payne, Chief of Police in Gulfport, Mississippi, released a report comparing the first six months of 1993 (when casinos were just coming on line) with the first six months in 1994. Results are listed below.

1. During the first six months of 1993, there were only 22 robberies in Gulfport; during the first six months of 1994 there were 70. This represents a 218% increase.
   

2. The number of rapes tripled.
   

3. Vehicle theft was up 166%, from 53 stolen cars during the first half of 1993 compared to 141 this year.
   

4. Arson cases increased 150%.
   

5. Burglaries doubled.
   

6. Assaults are up 66%.
   

7. Vehicular accidents are up 62%.
   

8. In total, excluding vehicular accidents, there were 1,597 crimes committed in the first six months of 1993, compared to 3,248 in the first six months of this (1994) year. This represents a total increase in crime of just over 100%.

Casinos in Florida: An Analysis of the Economic & Social Impacts The Executive Office of the Governor.