Can someone tell me why New Jersey and Nevada are broke considering they are the 2 biggest gambling states in the US?
Where’s all the wonderful tax dollars that the gambling industry supposedly generates?
I’m not meaning to start a debate about gambling pros and cons, I’m just wondering what HAPPENED! Bad leadership? Casinos not coughing up their fair share, what?
I don’t know any details, but it’s always possible to spend more than you earn, no matter how much that is.
Nevada’s casino revenues have decreased 2 years in a row, so they’re coughing up less than they used to. State budgets have always been based on increased revenues, and up until now it’s worked.
We also have state legislators who are adamantly opposed to any sort of tax increase (to the point of being willing to watch the government shut down). So the state is broke because it cannot agree on either (a) raising taxes or (b) cutting services.
Connecticut is broke too. Go Foxwoods!
Snoopy, methinks your OP is based on a false premise. Casino gambling is simply another part of the (taxable) economy. Opening a casino in a state doesn’t mean that a state’s coffers is suddenly going to be filled to the brim with tax revenues.
Your question would make just as much sense if instead you had asked “Can someone tell me why Wisconsin is broke considering it is the biggest dairy state in the US?”
Sua
A) Casinos create tax revenue in themselves, and they also spur tourism and create jobs, leading to yet more tax revenue.
B) They also require large regulatory bodies to monitor them, as well as improved infrastructure and larger government in general in order to handle tourism and population growth. They also have social consequences that lead to increased need for police and social services.
A minus B equals much less than promised.
In NJ’s case, keep in mind that it’s a big state in economic terms, and statewide, casinos count for less of the economy than you might think.
furt,
Both A & B apply to dairy farms, as well. 
Sua
Well, mebbe not the increased need for police and social services.
'Though cow-tipping can be addictive.
Sua
Tell me about it.
I started in High School, just to hang with the cool kids, y’know? Now I can’t stop, and I have a fit everytime I have to go on a plane or a cow-free building. I try to quit, but I always gain weight …