Legalization of Gambling in Hawaii

Abstract

The purpose of this research note is to extend Agrusa's (2000) philosophical inquiry into the possible effects of gambling offerings on Japanese tourists visiting Hawaii. More specifically, the researchers empirically assess attitudinal and behavioral responses among American and Japanese tourists vacationing in Waikiki Beach to the possible implementation of gambling in the island state. The results indicate that both Japanese and American tourists view gambling in Hawaii negatively, or with ambivalence, regardless of their country-of-origin or gender. Overall, this note provides evidence that supports Agrusa's inquiry.

Key Words:

• Gambling
• Hawaii
• Japanese tourism
• consumer behavior
• casinos