Residents’ perceptions of non-casino gaming in an urban destination: The case of Hong Kong

This study aimed to understand residents’ perceptions of the impacts of non-casino gaming on an urban destination. Executed in Hong Kong, the survey research found that the level of community support was determined by residents’ perceptions of gaming impacts, as well as their power, behavior, and attachment to their community. While positive impacts largely fell into the social domain, the negative ones were more often associated with the environment. Residents’ gaming behavior had significant effects on their level of support of the activity. Direct positive relationships were identified between residents’ attachment to the community and their level of support. Moreover, power relations were found to be strongly embedded in community perceptions of gaming impacts. The research contributes to literature on non-casino gaming and residents’ perceptions of its impacts on the destination community. Findings from the study provide useful information for the planning, management, and marketing of both the industry and of the urban destination.