ase the number of elective classes and extracurricular activities for students. The possibilities are almost endless. To understand the economic benefits of the legalizing of all forms ofgambling in Ohio, one needs only to look at the numbers. A report by MeganM. Atkinson titled California: An Overview states:In 1996, the estimated revenue for the gambling industry nationwidein 1996 was $47.7 billion. Casino gambling (not including Indiancasinos) received the largest share of revenue, with a total of $17.5billion, or nearly 37 percent, of the nationwide total. Lotteries grossedthe next largest share of gambling revenue totaling $16.2 billion, or 34percent, of the total (Atkinson 3). In 1995 Indian gambling raked in $4.5 billion (Drinkard 2). InCalifornia, “Indian gambling has experienced dramatic growth in recentyears. Revenues have grown from an estimated $120 million in 1991 to $5.4billion in 1996--a 114 percent annual growth rate” (Atkinson 4). Amy Seifertreports:In Minnesota the economic benefits of gambling include millions ofdollars raised for the state’s general fund, charities and anenvironmental trust fund as well as benefits to Indian communities whoare building schools, clinics, roads and businesses through theircasinos” (Seifert 2). “In 1996, estimated gross gambling revenues for the Californiagambling industry totaled $2.3 billion” (Atkinson 6). The providence’s of Canada are another good example of theprofitability of gambling. “Annual reports for 1994-95 show that the casinos in Montreal andCharlevois took in $363.2 million in gross revenues, the casino in Windsor grossed $418.9 million, and the Crystal Casino inWinnipeg reportedly gross revenues of $19.6 million for a four-casinototal of $801.7 million” (Gambling: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Industry). Money isn’t the only advantage of the legalization of gambling. Thenext biggest factor is the amount of j...
