concerning Bob Kelly's request for info on the impact of nearby casinos on
museums...
Casino gambling is not legal in Tennessee but is in certain areas of
Mississippi (as of recently--past 2 years). Nearby Tunica (30-45 minutes from
Memphis) is now a gambling center.
We certainly saw no increase in our attendance that relates to the casinos,
but that may because of being a children's museum. I don't think any other
museums have seen attendance increase either. That may also have to do with
the casinos not being right in Memphis.
The casinos near us have created their own entertainment centers--basically,
I think they would prefer you never leave the casino "compound"--you can eat,
sleep, see shows, etc. etc. without ever leaving.
Yes, there are casual gamblers who are just visiting the casino as another
attraction but if anything that means they probably eliminate some attraction
they would have visited otherwise. The people coming specifically for the
casinos are coming specifically for the casinos and aren't really interested
in much else.
The biggest "environmental" difference is that we now have a lot (!!!) more
pawn shops in Memphis--people pawning things so they can go gamble in
Mississippi.
On a more positive note, the casinos do give generously to the non-profit
organizations in Memphis and in Mississippi (though not to the children's
museum as they are very sensitive about anyone perceiving they are trying to
influence children to grow up and be gamblers)--they want to be good
"corporate citizens". I think the bottom line is the casinos are good for the
casinos. At least here in this area.

Jeanne Finan