Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr.

Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr. is president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association (AGA), a trade group representing the casino industry. In the following viewpoint, Fahrenkopf disputes claims that legalized gambling harms communities. On the contrary, he argues that the casino industry benefits local economies by creating jobs and paying taxes to local governments. Fahrenkopf also disputes the idea that the spread of legalized gambling has caused an increase in compulsive gambling, and he describes the AGA’s efforts to prevent and treat compulsive gambling. Finally, Fahrenkopf maintains that gambling does not cause increases in bankruptcy or crime in communities where casinos are legal.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What were some of the National Research Council’s findings from its study of the economic effects of legalized...