The Repository @ St. Cloud State

Open Access Knowledge and Scholarship

Date of Award

11-2008

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Department

Geography and Planning

College

School of Public Affairs

First Advisor

Gareth John

Second Advisor

David Wall

Third Advisor

D. Lee Gilbertson

Keywords and Subject Headings

GIS, spatial, statistic, DUI, driving, drunk, map, analysis

Abstract

While there has been quite a bit of research on the relationship between gambling and increased crime within the United States, results have been mixed as to whether there is a positive correlation.

With crime being a major social concern across the country as a result of gambling's legal expansion, there is a strong need for further study in this area. As a result, there could be significant public policy implications needing attention before this issue can be put to rest.

One crime of social concern present throughout the nation is impaired driving, specifically that which is alcohol-related. While much data exists with regard to the crime of drinking and driving, virtually no studies exist which investigate its potential connections to gambling.

As casinos have sprung up all across the United States within the last few decades, they have taken a commanding lead as the most popular and profitable element of the gaming industry. Thus, the research presented here provides a clear and unique method of finding important patterns linking alcohol-related impaired driving rates and the establishment of casinos throughout the state of Minnesota from 1985 to 2005.

Comments/Acknowledgements

Missing pages 14 and 35

Download

Included in

Geography Commons

Share

COinS