Abstract
The recent expansion and proliferation of legalized casino gaming has spurred debate at
all levels of government. As a result, a number of studies have attempted to quantify many of
the economic, social, and fiscal impacts of legalized casino gaming. This study reviewed
existing literature on the effects of casino gaming in the Upper Midwest and discussed some of
the issues associated with casino activities.
The impacts of casino gaming have generally been evaluated at either the local and/or
state or regional level. Positive economic impacts have been quantified more often than
negative economic impacts. Few studies have attempted to quantify the social costs of casino
gaming.
