Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gaming as a recreational pursuit is becoming more popular, especially in the United States. It is often
combined with other types of entertainment, such as nightclub shows and sports activities.
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ofCarnivalCruiseLines.
There is no question that gaming generates travel. Nevada has been the leader in gambling, which has
made tourism the leading industry in the state. Las Vegas has long been considered as the casino
capital of the world; however, today it has been surpassed in gaming revenue by Macau Special
Administrative Region, China. It is interesting to note the differences in the types of tourists and their
modes of transportation when comparing Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Las Vegas attracts destination
visitors from long distances who
fly or drive, while Atlantic City is located in a densely populated area
and attracts nearby residents (those within 150 miles). Atlantic City has successfully promoted short-
duration motorcoach tours to increase its numbers. It is also now successfully promoting itself as a
destination area.
Today, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA), the gaming industry is a $92.3 billion
business that employs, directly and indirectly, more than one million men and women. This includes all
forms of gaming,
including commercial casinos, card rooms,
Indian casinos,
legal bookmaking,
charitable organizations, the pari-mutuel
industry (e.g., horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai
alai), and lotteries.
The fact is that people enjoy gaming as an entertainment option in their lives. According to a 2010
AGA survey, 81 percent of the American people view casino entertainment as acceptable for
themselves or others. In 2009, there were 61.7 million visitors to casinos, or 28 percent of the
U.S. population age 21 and older. As acceptance has grown, millions of Americans also understand
the capital investment, tourism, public revenues, and employment impacts of casino gaming.
According to the same survey, 61 percent of Americans see casino gaming as an important part
of the community
s entertainment and tourism offering.
In 1993, the casino industry reached a milestone when more Americans went to casinos than
visited major league baseball parks. Today, more Americans visit casinos than zoos, aquariums, and
wildlife parks. This entertainment trend is continuing as more and more people visit casinos.
The employment opportunities provided by the gaming-entertainment industry deserve special
attention. In 2009, the U.S. commercial casino industry created 328,377 direct industry employees,
who earned $13.1 billion in wages, contributed $5.5 billion in direct gaming taxes, and earned
$30.7 billion in gross gaming revenue. Table 8.2 shows the top 20 U.S. casino markets by revenue and
illustrates the importance of Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
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