Survey by gambling organization touts positives of casinos

The latest survey by a pro-gambling organization touts the economic impact made by the employees of Iowa’s casinos and race tracks. Iowa Gaming Association president Wes Ehrecke says the survey asked the employees of the ten riverboats and three racetrack casinos questions about their quality of life.He says the survey shows many of the workers came off unemployment, and he says many were able to increase their income, decrease their debt, and save money for retirement. Ehrecke says the survey showed over 50-percent of the employees have worked in the industry three years or more.He says 92-percent feel they’re getting adequate training to advance in the entertainment industry. Voters will determine in referendums across the state in November if gambling will continue in the state. Ehrecke says the survey shows the positive economic impact the 10-thousand employees in the industry make on Iowa.He says the overall payroll for the 10-thousand employees is just over 200-million dollars — so the average wage is 20-thousand dollars. Ehrecke says 56-hundred of the 10-thousand employees returned the survey.