Citation

Hakim S, Buck AJ. J. Crim. Justice 1989; 17(5): 409-416.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0047-2352(89)90050-0

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article analyzes the possible impact of the 1978 introduction of casino gambling in Atlantic City on crime in that region. Pooled time-series cross-sectional data from sixty-four localities for the years 1972 to 1984 were used to investigate four types of property crimes and total violent crimes. The results suggest spatial crime spill-over from Atlantic City, where violent crime diminished most rapidly, followed by robberies and auto thefts. Larcenies declined least rapidly. The greatest post-casino crime increase was observed for violent crimes and auto thefts and the least for burglaries. A one percent increase in the distance from Atlantic City was associated with greater reduction in all crimes than was a one percent increase in police outlays.