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Religious community strongly opposes gambling
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Israeli gamblers

Survey shows Israelis oppose legalizing casino gambling, with religious community as strongest opponents

Israelis are opposed to legalized gambling in the country, according to a poll conducted by the Keevoon Research Strategy organization.

 

Last month the world's largest casino was opened in Macao, China by the Las Vegas Sands Corp, headed by Sheldon Adelson. There was extensive media coverage in Israel surrounding the opening due to the philanthropic and business interests Adelson has in Israel. He was asked by an Israeli reporter when he would be opening a casino in Israel. He replied that "after 18 years of trying I've given up."

 

Since the casino in Jericho was closed a number of years ago, Israelis have had to travel abroad for gaming activities.

 

On asking Israelis what they thought about the recent talk of legalizing casino gambling in Israel, and whether they support it or not, 55% of respondents said they oppose legalizing casinos while 37% said they support it, 8% had no opinion on the matter.

 

Men and women expressed very distinct opinions on this subject with 47% of men supporting legalization and 61% of women opposing such a measure.

 

Israelis aged 35-44 also showed strong opposition with 65% against legalizing gambling in Israel.

 

The religious community seemed to contribute significantly in supporting or opposing this issue. Eighty-five percent of haredim and 78% of modern Orthodox Israelis are opposed to legalizing casinos - most of whom defined themselves as "very opposed." Fifty percent of Israelis who are "traditional" and 44% "secular" oppose the measure as well. The greatest level of support came from secular Israelis with 47% in favor - compared with the national average of 37%.

 

Another interesting finding was the relationship between education and support/opposition for legalization. The less educated a person, the more likely he or she is opposed to legalizing casinos in Israel. The more educated an Israeli is the more likely he is to support casino gambling in Israel.

 


פרסום ראשון: 09.18.07, 16:44
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