Pro-gambling group mysteriously doubles casino jobs claim in less than 80 days
American Gaming Association changes its numbers to make industry look better
How many jobs do casinos create in Florida? The number apparently has more than doubled since Sept. 30, when the American Gaming Association released a national report on the economic impact of gambling.
That report claimed there were more than 3,200 casino jobs in Florida, with gambling revenues of $467.6 million. The AGA apparently has corrected itself, now claiming there are more than 7,400 Florida jobs “supported” by gambling, with a total economic impact of more than $1 billion.
“It appears that the first set of numbers wasn’t impressive enough so they cooked up another set,’’ said John Sowinski, President of No Casinos, Inc. “Maybe if they go back a third time, they’ll find the $500 million that South Florida casinos promised our schools every year. Nobody else has been able to find it.’’
Sowinski also questioned the AGA’s credibility, noting that in August, the group said “it is important not to forget the truly significant contributions gaming has made’’ to Atlantic City. Following the collapse of the casino industry, unemployment in Atlantic City now tops 11 percent. The city has a 25 percent poverty rate and its bonds have been downgraded to junk because of plunging property values that have transferred the tax burden from casinos to residents.
“With truly significant contributors like that, who needs enemies,’’ Sowinski said.
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