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Access to Legal Gambling and the Incidence of Crime: Evidence from Alberta

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  • Brad R. Humphreys
  • Brian P. Soebbing

Abstract

Much research examines the positive and negative impacts of gambling in specific areas, including the relationship between gambling, such as casinos and electronic gaming, on crime. Since Grinols and Mustard, the academic literature finds a mixed relationship. The present research examines the relationship between video lottery terminals (VLTs) and casino gambling and crime in the province of Alberta from 1977 to 2008 using data from the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Estimates from a two-way fixed effect regression indicate little association between gambling and crime. However, some positive and negative crime-specific effects are found for both casinos and VLTs.

Suggested Citation

  • Brad R. Humphreys & Brian P. Soebbing, 2014. "Access to Legal Gambling and the Incidence of Crime: Evidence from Alberta," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(1), pages 98-120, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:growch:v:45:y:2014:i:1:p:98-120
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/grow.12034
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Huang, Haifang & Humphreys, Brad & Zhou, Li, 2014. "Urban Casinos and Local Housing Markets: Evidence from the US," Working Papers 2014-4, University of Alberta, Department of Economics.
    2. Siew Hoon Lim & Lei Zhang, 2017. "Does Casino Development Have a Positive Effect on Economic Growth?," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3), pages 409-434, September.
    3. Haifang Huang & Brad R. Humphreys & Li Zhou, 2018. "Do urban casinos affect nearby neighbourhoods? Evidence from Canada," Papers in Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 97(3), pages 757-784, August.

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