Poverty and Casino Gambling in Buffalo

The Buffalo Creek Casino will exacerbate Buffalo’s poverty. Casinos, especially urban casinos, attract many gamblers living at or near the poverty line, and problem or pathological gamblers often fall from the middle class into poverty. Proximity to casinos is a major factor in problem gambling. The Buffalo Creek Casino is located in a high-poverty zone. Population’s already facing high poverty rates and inequalities, such as African Americans, have higher rates of problem gambling. By competing with existing businesses, the Buffalo Creek Casino may destroy more jobs in Buffalo than it creates, and many of the jobs it creates will pay low wages. The social costs from gambling addiction, poverty, bankruptcy, mental illness, and crime will outweigh any gains through exclusivity payments to the City. Some of Buffalo’s increased poverty may be offset by reductions in poverty among the Seneca Nation.povertylowwageworkincomeinequality__poverty_and_casino_gambling_in_buffaloSTEVE.pdf: 288 downloads, before Oct. 1, 2020