As the debate over whether or not to build a casino in Medford, Oregon continues, there are pros and cons to consider. Supporters say that a casino would bring much-needed jobs and revenue to the area, while opponents worry about the negative effects that casinos can have on a community.
The economic benefits of a casino are clear. According to the American Gaming Association, casinos generated $37.34 billion in revenue in 2016. This money comes from both gambling and non-gambling sources such as restaurants and hotels.
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A large portion of this revenue would go to the state and local governments in the form of taxes. In Oregon, the state tax on gambling income is 8%, while the Medford city tax is 5%. This means that for every $100 that a casino brings in, the state and local governments would receive $13. This money could be used for things like education, infrastructure, and public safety.
In addition to revenue from gambling and taxes, casinos also bring in money from other sources such as tourism. People who come to gamble at a casino often also spend money on hotel rooms, food, and entertainment.
This spending benefits businesses in the area and helps to create jobs. According to one estimate, a casino in Medford could create up to 1,000 new jobs.
While there are economic benefits to building a casino in Medford, there are also some potential drawbacks. One worry is that casinos can lead to an increase in crime.
This is often due to the influx of people from outside the area who come to gamble. Studies have shown that casinos can also lead to an increase in problems such as gambling addiction and bankruptcy.
Another concern is that casinos can have a negative effect on local businesses. This is because they often compete with businesses such as restaurants and movie theaters for customers’ disposable income.
Additionally, casinos can sometimes lead to an increase in traffic and congestion in an area.
The decision of whether or not to build a casino in Medford is one that will require careful consideration of all of the potential impacts. It is clear that there are both benefits and drawbacks to such a project.
Ultimately, it will be up to the citizens of Medford to decide whether or not they want a casino in their community.
