The effects of casino proximity and time on poverty levels in New York City

Abstract The interaction between casino proximity over a five-year duration in New York City urban communities examines poverty levels under the theoretical dimensions of exposure and adaption. Links between casino proximity and problem gambling or other gambling-related problems that could adversely impact individuals in disadvantaged communities were reported before the influx of urban casinos in major metro areas. This analysis uses Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) from the American Community Survey (ACS) estimates. A two-way factorial ANOVA measured poverty level outcomes at high and low casino proximity in year one and year five after an urban casino had been opened. No significant interaction was found between casino proximity and year for poverty level outcomes. However, findings suggest closer distances to the casino despite the year reported association with higher poverty level outcome scores. This research expands the literature on urban casino proximity in the context of exposure and adaptation theory. Results give the broader community of legislators, community workers, scholars, and industry a better understanding of the phenomenon and any potential adverse consequences to host and neighboring communities so that policy, intervention, and treatment can be considered.