For/Against Casinos? [Poll]

[willmtaylor]

My small town is currently embroiled in quite the controversy. There was a statewide constitutional amendment approved last fall which stipulated 4 different counties WOULD get a casino.

Our county/city is fairly rural, scenic with state parks, lake, mountains, etc., a university of 12,000+, and a population of <50,000 people.

So here’s my question:
If you were considering a job or a move to such an area, would you view a casino as generally an asset and benefit to such a community or a negative and a liability?

 

[Gutwrench]

I’m choosy where I live and likely would not move to a small community with a casino. That’s just me though.

 

[willmtaylor]

I’m choosy where I live and likely would not move to a small community with a casino. That’s just me though.

Thanks for the input.

 

[S.B.G]

I would prefer not to live in a situation like that. I'm not against casino's, but I wouldn't want the large influx of people coming and going in my town.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Not sure I'd want a casino in a small town that I lived in.

 

[velocityg4]

As long as the streets were upgraded to handle the traffic. Especially to and from the highway. I could care less.

 

[shinji]

I would like it, especially if there were shows/concerts there as well. Fun thing to do every now and then.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, jazz clubs, theatres, bookshops, would all encourage me to consider moving to a town; a casino most certainly would not.

Now, while a casino might indeed generate money (and I have no issue at all with Native Americans intelligently exploiting the law on this issue with the common good, or good of the community in mind), I am not at all sure that the type of money thus generated would be terribly welcome, nor, for that matter, would I be much enthused by the type of client such a business might attract.

Moreover, the sort of clients, and monies, that casinos seem to attract would do little for the reputation of a town.

Let us put it this way: I'd far prefer to see my town make money - or derive an income - from a literary festival, or an arts festival, or a jazz festival, or even, an opera festival - to offer some examples, than from casinos.

 

[willmtaylor]

Coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, jazz clubs, theatres, bookshops, would all encourage me to consider moving to a town; a casino most certainly would not.

Now, while a casino might indeed generate money (and I have no issue at all with Native Americans intelligently exploiting the law on this issue with the common good, or good of the community in mind), I am not at all sure that the type of money thus generated would be terribly welcome, nor, for that matter, would I be much enthused by the type of client such a business might attract.

Moreover, the sort of clients, and monies, that casinos seem to attract would do little for the reputation of a town.

Let us put it this way: I'd far prefer to see my town make money - or derive an income - from a literary festival, or an arts festival, or a jazz festival, or even, an opera festival - to offer some examples, than from casinos.

Thanks for the detailed feedback!

 

[tobefirst ⚽️]

I likely wouldn't consider whether a city/town has a casino or not when deciding moving to an area. Our suburb with 60k people has one, and I do go occasionally, but not enough to care, and the effects on the community don't seem to have been that great or terrible. I guess I'm just too far removed from it or don't care enough.

 

[eyoungren]

My small town is currently embroiled in quite the controversy. There was a statewide constitutional amendment approved last fall which stipulated 4 different counties WOULD get a casino.

Our county/city is fairly rural, scenic with state parks, lake, mountains, etc., a university of 12,000+, and a population of <50,000 people.

So here’s my question:
If you were considering a job or a move to such an area, would you view a casino as generally an asset and benefit to such a community or a negative and a liability?

If it's a Native American owned and run casino, I'd have no problem moving/living there.

However, I hate rural and I hate small towns and small town politics.

If it's not a Native American run casino, I'd likely not want to move there.
[doublepost=1560435183][/doublepost]

Coffee shops, pubs, restaurants, jazz clubs, theatres, bookshops, would all encourage me to consider moving to a town; a casino most certainly would not.

Now, while a casino might indeed generate money (and I have no issue at all with Native Americans intelligently exploiting the law on this issue with the common good, or good of the community in mind), I am not at all sure that the type of money thus generated would be terribly welcome, nor, for that matter, would I be much enthused by the type of client such a business might attract.

Moreover, the sort of clients, and monies, that casinos seem to attract would do little for the reputation of a town.

Let us put it this way: I'd far prefer to see my town make money - or derive an income - from a literary festival, or an arts festival, or a jazz festival, or even, an opera festival - to offer some examples, than from casinos.

From 1980 to 2000 I lived/worked/visited an area of California known as the San Gorgonio Pass. This area consists of three communities: Banning, Beaumont and Cherry Valley. Cherry Valley is where my parents chose to raise my sister and I and that entire area is the major reason I hate small towns, rural and small-town politics.

That said, an eastern portion of that area is a smaller community called Cabazon. Cabazon was nothing up until the late 90s. The only major thing you could say about it was that it had Hadley's Fruit Orchards which has served and survived as a stop between San Bernardino/Redlands and Palm Springs.

Cabazon also has the Morongo Indian Tribe and in the 90s they decided to open a casino. You would NOT believe the INTENSE local and regional opposition to this move. The tribe is dirt poor, like many tribes, in places no running water or electricity. Cabazon was nothing.

Then came the outlet stores: https://www.cabazonoutlets.com/ Major brand names. But guess where they opened? Still in Cabazon, but just outside of tribal land. Suddenly, the Pass Area had a major increase in traffic. It was very much a pain in the ass driving out there.

So, the Morongo tribe got the casino opened. And in the last 20 years the entire Pass area has benefitted, not just the tribe.

People come out for the factory outlet shopping and because the casino is right there they cross over into tribal lands and spend their money there too. Supporting businesses (restaurants, coffee shops, etc) have sprung up around the place and are doing well.

The tribe has been responsible with all the money and all the people who opposed the opening of the casino have long ago been silenced. It's an example of the good it can do.

I am not saying this would be the case in all places, I am just holding it up as one example of where it worked out very well for the local area.

 

[willmtaylor]

If it's a Native American owned and run casino, I'd have no problem moving/living there.

However, I hate rural and I hate small towns and small town politics.

If it's not a Native American run casino, I'd likely not want to move there.
[doublepost=1560435183][/doublepost]
From 1980 to 2000 I lived/worked/visited an area of California known as the San Gorgonio Pass. This area consists of three communities: Banning, Beaumont and Cherry Valley. Cherry Valley is where my parents chose to raise my sister and I and that entire area is the major reason I hate small towns, rural and small-town politics.

That said, an eastern portion of that area is a smaller community called Cabazon. Cabazon was nothing up until the late 90s. The only major thing you could say about it was that it had Hadley's Fruit Orchards which has served and survived as a stop between San Bernardino/Redlands and Palm Springs.

Cabazon also has the Morongo Indian Tribe and in the 90s they decided to open a casino. You would NOT believe the INTENSE local and regional opposition to this move. The tribe is dirt poor, like many tribes, in places no running water or electricity. Cabazon was nothing.

Then came the outlet stores: https://www.cabazonoutlets.com/ Major brand names. But guess where they opened? Still in Cabazon, but just outside of tribal land. Suddenly, the Pass Area had a major increase in traffic. It was very much a pain in the ass driving out there.

So, the Morongo tribe got the casino opened. And in the last 20 years the entire Pass area has benefitted, not just the tribe.

People come out for the factory outlet shopping and because the casino is right there they cross over into tribal lands and spend their money there too. Supporting businesses (restaurants, coffee shops, etc) have sprung up around the place and are doing well.

The tribe has been responsible with all the money and all the people who opposed the opening of the casino have long ago been silenced. It's an example of the good it can do.

I am not saying this would be the case in all places, I am just holding it up as one example of where it worked out very well for the local area.

An interesting perspective. Thanks for sharing.

A Native American casino was one of the 4 proposals submitted.

 

[hawkeye_a]

More of an exception rather than a rule, i'm sure.... Monaco.

After establishing the casino in Monte Carlo, it made so much profit that they were able to get rid of income tax altogether. That had an effect of attracting wealthy individuals(and their wealth) into the enclave, and now it is, quite literally, the richest place on earth. I heard that one rule, which came with the casino, was that the Monégasque are not allowed to gamble there. Brilliant!

I'd move to Monaco(the second-smallest country on the planet) in a heartbeat. Quite a fascinating place IMHO.

As someone who has never gambled in a casino, I dont really have any objections to other adults doing what they wish with their money/wealth.

IMHO

 

[willmtaylor]

More of an exception rather than a rule, i'm sure.... Monaco.

After establishing the casino in Monte Carlo, it made so much profit that they were able to get rid of income tax altogether. That had an effect of attracting wealthy individuals(and their wealth) into the enclave, and now it is, quite literally, the richest place on earth. I heard that one rule, which came with the casino, was that the Monégasque are not allowed to gamble there. Brilliant!

I'd move to Monaco(the second-smallest country on the planet) in a heartbeat. Quite a fascinating place IMHO.

As someone who has never gambled in a casino, I dont really have any objections to other adults doing what they wish with their money/wealth.

IMHO

Interesting. Thanks for the feedback.

The question, though, isn’t whether you’re for or against gambling. It’s about how you’d feel about one in your community.

 

[eyoungren]

I heard that one rule, which came with the casino, was that the Monégasque are not allowed to gamble there. Brilliant!

Yeah, the idea here is that you do not sample or partake of the product you are selling. I.e., Monaco's government does not want it's citizens in debt to the casino that drives their prosperity.

 

[hawkeye_a]

The question, though, isn’t whether you’re for or against gambling. It’s about how you’d feel about one in your community.

Casinos are not my "jam". But like i mentioned before, i'd move to Monaco in a heartbeat; not for the casino, but rather the city/country it has arguably helped foster.

I suppose it depends a lot on the place, conditions, people?

 

[JBGoode]

I live in a small town in central NY and a Native American casino opened in the area (12-15 miles away) about 25 years ago. It opened up in an even smaller town. It brought hundreds of jobs and something to do (it's a full entertainment resort with casinos, golf course, etc.) in an otherwise 'dull' area. I don't recall anyone complaining when it was in the works and from what I can see has only benefited the area.

 

[hawkeye_a]

Casinos are not my "jam". But like i mentioned before, i'd move to Monaco in a heartbeat; not for the casino, but rather the city/country it has arguably helped foster.

I suppose it depends a lot on the place, conditions, people?

Come to think of it, I would have probably liked the place before the casino was there, as well. hmmmmmm...

 

[willmtaylor]

We have an interesting and tight race here.

Almost split against and for/neutral—not unlike our town.

 

[0388631]

If it's a Native American owned and run casino, I'd have no problem moving/living there.

However, I hate rural and I hate small towns and small town politics.

If it's not a Native American run casino, I'd likely not want to move there.
[doublepost=1560435183][/doublepost]
From 1980 to 2000 I lived/worked/visited an area of California known as the San Gorgonio Pass. This area consists of three communities: Banning, Beaumont and Cherry Valley. Cherry Valley is where my parents chose to raise my sister and I and that entire area is the major reason I hate small towns, rural and small-town politics.

That said, an eastern portion of that area is a smaller community called Cabazon. Cabazon was nothing up until the late 90s. The only major thing you could say about it was that it had Hadley's Fruit Orchards which has served and survived as a stop between San Bernardino/Redlands and Palm Springs.

Cabazon also has the Morongo Indian Tribe and in the 90s they decided to open a casino. You would NOT believe the INTENSE local and regional opposition to this move. The tribe is dirt poor, like many tribes, in places no running water or electricity. Cabazon was nothing.

Then came the outlet stores: https://www.cabazonoutlets.com/ Major brand names. But guess where they opened? Still in Cabazon, but just outside of tribal land. Suddenly, the Pass Area had a major increase in traffic. It was very much a pain in the ass driving out there.

So, the Morongo tribe got the casino opened. And in the last 20 years the entire Pass area has benefitted, not just the tribe.

People come out for the factory outlet shopping and because the casino is right there they cross over into tribal lands and spend their money there too. Supporting businesses (restaurants, coffee shops, etc) have sprung up around the place and are doing well.

The tribe has been responsible with all the money and all the people who opposed the opening of the casino have long ago been silenced. It's an example of the good it can do.

I am not saying this would be the case in all places, I am just holding it up as one example of where it worked out very well for the local area.

I definitely remember the ******** that place used to be. Now it's a fairly pricey area and the land and real estate market has been kind. Good golf courses around, too.

 

[eyoungren]

I definitely remember the ******** that place used to be. Now it's a fairly pricey area and the land and real estate market has been kind. Good golf courses around, too.

I used to go through the Burger King there on the way to work in Indio. That was 1999-2000. Until the mid-90s there WAS no Burger King there.

Now, it's all rather upscale and there's far more choice there.

It took them a while to figure out that massive traffic jam for the outlet stores, but eventually they did.

 

[willmtaylor]

I used to go through the Burger King there on the way to work in Indio. That was 1999-2000. Until the mid-90s there WAS no Burger King there.

Now, it's all rather upscale and there's far more choice there.

It took them a while to figure out that massive traffic jam for the outlet stores, but eventually they did.

The goal of most casinos/resorts is to keep patrons on their property as much as possible, but it’s good to see examples of casinos giving new life for more retail opportunities.

 

[eyoungren]

The goal of most casinos/resorts is to keep patrons on their property as much as possible, but it’s good to see examples of casinos giving new life for more retail opportunities.

In-N-Out has a restaurant there on the reservation. I just found that out this morning. Apparently, it is the ONLY In-N-Out restaurant to exist on a reservation period.

There are less than 1000 registered tribe members of the Morongo tribe yet they've managed to make contributions to communities outside of the reservation that are quite large - because of the casino.

Of course, it's a business, just like any other and as a casino it's like you said. They want you to stay there. To that end, they have golf courses and a spa, a hotel and have made themselves a destination spot. They want your money, they want to make money. And against the house your chances of winning are low.

You're going to get all that comes with the casino. However, between contracting with the Riverside County Sheriff and tribal police they do a good job.

I can only hope that with the right management a casino would benefit your region.

I do not believe that casinos are panaceas, I do not normally support the gaming industry - particularly the kind you'll find in Nevada. But as a means to lift Native American tribes out of poverty that also benefit local communities I'm all for it.

 

[0388631]

Oh, I wouldn't say the house odds are that bad. I've won quite a lot from them while spending as little as possible. Luck, mostly. In N Out on a reservation makes sense. Not to sound racist, but most of the younger tribe members tend to be pot heads so I think In N Out made the right decision. Though I'd say In N Out's main customers are younger people, but also people my age or in the bracket who breathe a sigh of relief after their annual physical and then some and go straight to order something massive and consume it like a rabid dog. Then wash it down with a shake or three.

Habit and In N Out are consistent day in and day out. There's no crap or filler. I wish I could say I like Five Guys Burgers or Shake Shack, or any "gourmet" burger experience but the consistency is not there and hasn't ever been there. There's maybe 2 great Five Guys Burgers locations in the southern portion of the state. The rest are terrible.

OTOH, the Indian casinos donate a sizeable amount to charity, public schools and set up grants for both Native American students and whatever they call non-Native Americans.


Demographics change. It used to be the Wynn attracted middle aged and much older clientele. Now they attract young people who'd prefer to have a nice hotel without too much outside noise and a quick Uber or Lyft ride to the strip.


Give it another 30 years and the high desert will become a white washed area devoid of any tribes. It'll have higher real estate prices. The high desert isn't a bad retirement place, but I question who in their right mind would pay more than current rates for a nice place which already start at $1M and go up to $14M.
[doublepost=1560583333][/doublepost]

I used to go through the Burger King there on the way to work in Indio. That was 1999-2000. Until the mid-90s there WAS no Burger King there.

Burger King was the only fast food I'd bother with in those days when out in the middle of no where unless an El Pollo Loco existed. I don't remember my order in those days but I'd almost always get the Pepsi slurpee they offered. I'm looking at their site now. I either got the whopper with fries or double whopper with fries. They had maybe 4 or 5 menu items then. I'm looking at close to 15 now.

 

[willmtaylor]

It’s funny, the town seems to be split almost identically to the votes in the poll.