many express concern about possible undesirable effects of legalized casino gambling Audio is available on 9/30/16 at 11 A.M. from 201 545 6193 (Rutgers Feature Ph three to two. agreed and 36 percent disagreed. that legalized gambling would be helpful to Atlantic City and to the state as a whole. which would have permitted casino gambling, not only in Atlantic City but throughout Attention Radio Stations: more City might attract members of organized crime and other undesirables, while only cent are undecided. Two years ago, at this stage in the campaign, an amendment Two-thirds of those surveyed percent that casino gambling in Atlantic With Election DaY and a statewide referendum still more than a month away, favor the proposed Constitutional amendment, 36 percent are opposed, while 4 per the entire state, was favored by a margin of 56 percent to 40 percent. This amend ment, however, eventually went down to defeat on election day by a margin of Although a majority of voters now say they would vote for the proposed amendmen THE EAGLETON INSTITUTE OF POLITICS RELEASE: 22 2 WOOD LAWN. NEI LSON CAMPUSZNEW BRUNSWICK NEW JERSEY 301.201/828 2210 CONTACT: STEPHEN SALMC New Jerseyans appear to favor legalizing casino gambling in Atlantic City. According to the latest Eagleton Poll, conducted between September 13 and 19, 59 percent for this question were identical. encourage people to gamble who could not afford to lose money. In 1974 the resultl Among the factors working in favor of the proposed amendment is the strong beliei By a margin of 58 percent to 36 percent most also believe that casinos would SEPTEMBER 29, 1916 WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 24 percent disagreed. Concern about this problem is up from 1974 when 58 percent OF NEW JERSEY THE STATE UNIVERSITY RUTGERS ii FOR IMMEDIATE RElEASE 66 agreed
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-more to 18 percent, most also believe that it would raise money for the state. Dr. Stephen A. Salmore, Director of the Eagleton Poll, underscored the impor in this Poll by a much narrower margin of 50 percent to 38 percent, with 12 percent of those opposed, shifted their position to favoring legalizing casino gambling, pro or would you vote against it? Men 64 34 2 undecided. However, Salmore pointed out, most of the undecideds, and some Conservatives 52 45 4 gambling amendment. The greatest support is found among men, Catholics, liberals, All of the state s major demographic groups favor the passage of the casino tance of limiting casino gambling to Atlantic City as a factor in building support for vided that it is restricted to Atlantic City. Democrats 60 36 4 Republicans 57 42 1 Liberals 68 30 2 Independents 59 36 5 All Respondents 59% 36% 4% For fist Undecided for this amendment to the Constitution that would permit casino gambling in Atlantic Cit An amendment to the State s Constitution has been proposed which would allow gamblir are Democrats and Independents. vatives. Republicans are somewhat less in favor of the proposed amendment than increase tourist business in Atlantic City. By a substantial margin of 71 percent casinos but limit them to Atlantic City. If you had to decide right now, would you vote An overwhelming 92 percent to 5 percent majority agree that casino gambling would NJP22-2 Page 2 the amendment. Casino gambling throughout New Jersey, he reported, was favored and young voters. Opposition is strongest among women, Protestants, and conser Women 39 6
Copyright, The Eagleton Institute, 1976 30 and older were interviewed by telephone. September 13 and 19, when a scientifically selected sample of 800 adults 18 years The Eagleton Poll is conducted regularly throughout the yea by the Eagleton 30 49 53 42 4 18 30 67 29 4 Non white 54 41 white 60 36 4 Catholic 64 32 3 Protestant 49% 4 Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. The latest Poll was conducted between For Against Undecided 50+ 59 37 4 NJP22 2 Page 3
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RUTG ERS THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY THE EAGLETON INSTITUTE OF POLITICS WOOD LAWN.NEILSON CAMPUS.NEW BRUNSWICIC.NEW JERSEY 08901.201/828.2210 BACKGROUND MEMO--RELEASE 422-2, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, SEPTEMBER 29, 19 The questions referred to in this release are as follows: I m going to ask you some questions about gambling casinos in New Jersey. would you be in favor of legalizing gambling casinos here in New Jersey? First, 1976 1974 Yes 50% 56% No 39 38 Don t Know 11 6 An amendment to the State s Constitution has been proposed which would allow gambling casinos but limit them to Atlantic City. If you had to decide right now, would you vote for this amendment to the Constitution that would permit casino gamb in Atlantic City, or would you vote against it? 1976 1974 Amendment For 59% 56% Against 36 40 Undecided 4 4 IF FOR OR AGAINST : Are you very firm about your decision or do you think might change your mind? 1976 Firm 18% Might Change 15 Undecided 2 IF UNDECIDED : At this moment do you think you are leaning for it or against i 1976 For 1% Against Undecided 2
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not afford to lose money 58 36 6 d. Encourage people to gamble who could other undesirables 66 24 10 c. Attract members of organized crime and b. Raise money for the state 71 18 12 a. Increase tourist business in Atlantic City 92% 5% 3% Happen Happen Know Would Would Not Don happen if casino gambling were permitted in Atlantic City? one r read could you please tell me whether you think it would happen or would not Now I m going to read you a list of four statements about casino gambling. For eec NJP22 2-2--
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