"With more than a bit of fanfare, a local taxpayers group has released a report touting the economic benefits of the Chumash Casino Resort in the Santa Ynez Valley.

That the Chumash Casino is a major economic engine in the community is beyond debate. That has been clear for some time. While getting more details through Schniepp's study may be interesting, we're not entirely sure what it contributes to any discussion about the overall value to the community of the tribe's gaming operations.

That's because the other side of the coin - the inevitable and well-documented downside of gambling in general, and the Chumash Casino's impacts on this region specifically - remain unstudied.

How much burden does the casino place on local law-enforcement and public-safety agencies? Casino critics continually raise this issue, but what, really, is that cost, and who is paying?

How much additional traffic is created, and what are the infrastructure and pollution costs associated with it? Santa Ynez Valley residents - and those living in Solvang in particular - and well aware of the increase in local traffic.

What kind of social problems arise in connection with such gaming facilities, and what does it cost the community to deal with them? There is plenty of anecdotal evidence, but few hard statistics, such as the economic data that is in abundant supply.

Finally, what amount of taxes are lost due to the tribe's status as a sovereign entity? Those are dollars that fill the tribe's coffers, ultimately at the expense of taxpayers. Is the tribe getting a free ride, or do its gaming operations have a net upside?"

Get the Story:
Casino impact on economy has 2 sides (The Santa Maria Times 3/2)

Another Story:
Chumash Casino a big draw for visitors, business growth (The Ventura County Star 2/29)