West Virginia: What Experience Shows

Study finds racino projects create low-paying jobs

As a slots license selection commission evaluates bids for gambling licenses in Maryland, a new study has found that facilities that provide both racing and casino activities create low-paying jobs that depress salaries in surrounding areas.

The study by Ball State University examined West Virginia's so-called racinos – horse or dog racing facilities with casino games – during a 26-year period and found that counties with such gambling operations saw a one-time employment gain of 1.1 percent, while the average salary in the area fell by as much as 2.9 percent because of a large number of low-paying jobs.