Abstract:
The 1996 gambling referendum in Louisiana provided a unique opportunity to study voters' preferences. At the time of the referendum, video poker machines legally operated in all of Louisiana's 64 parishes (counties). Video poker was voted down in 31 parishes and retained in 33 parishes. Voters also allowed the New Orleans land-based casino and 15 riverboat casinos to continue their operations. The extant horse racing and pari-mutuel betting were not voted on. Copyright 2007 American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Inc..