Examining structural relationships among perceived impact, benefit, and support for casino development based on 4 year longitudinal data

The objectives of this study were two-fold. First, this study examined the underlying relationship among impact factors, benefits, and support level in a longitudinal pattern based on the social exchange theory. Second, this longitudinal study sought to explore the changing attitudes of residents toward casino development over a 4-year period, using a structural equation model. The results of the study show that residents had significantly different perceptions about the casino before and after its development. Although the residents changed their perceptions before and after the casino opened, they tended to maintain these perceptions for 2 years post-opening. The casino's positive economic impact was consistently cited as the most significant factor in predicting perceived benefit. Also, the benefit factor was found to be the most important factor in affecting residents’ support level, which was consistent with the social exchange theory.