Tourists’ and Residents’ Perceptions Toward Casino Gaming Development in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of tourists and residents toward developing casino gaming in Hong Kong and compares differences in perceptions among respondents of different demographics. The results show that residents had more negative views than tourists did on the social impact of casino gaming such as increasing demand of loan sharking, gang involvement, crime rates and the problem of drug abuse. Compared to residents, somewhat more tourists envisioned that casino gaming would bring economic benefits such as job opportunities to Hong Kong. Based on the results of this study, stakeholders, including government authority and casino operators should take note of the concerns about the social impacts when assessing the feasibility of casino gaming. Furthermore, encouraging public participation in policy formulation and environmental assessment is critical if the development of casino gaming in Hong Kong is to take place.