For immediate release:
Date: 6/8/2011
Subject: Nielson Brothers Polling (NBP) survey of Sioux Falls — Grand Falls Casino
Contact information:Â nbpolling@gmail.com, 605 496-0911
Website: HYPERLINK
As Grand Falls Casino opens, opposition to a competing South Dakota casino stays strong.
In its newest poll, Nielson Brothers Polling (NBP) asked Sioux Falls voters if they plan to visit Grand Falls Casino, opening Thursday near Larchwood, Iowa. Half (50 percent) of respondents said they will visit the new casino within the year, but another half (50 percent) claim they will never make the trip. Of the half who plan to visit the casino, 32 percent say they will go one to three times a year, 10 percent say between 4 and 12 times a year, and 8 percent claim they will make the trip more than once a month.
The NBP survey also asked if respondents would support a competing South Dakota casino if lost revenues lead to a cut in services or tax hikes. While a competing casino is supported by 26 percent, twice that number (53 percent) oppose it and 21 percent are undecided.
“Opposition to a competing South Dakota casino appears entrenchedâ€, Nielson says
“even as a large portion of Sioux Falls residents plan to make at least one trip down to the Iowa casino.â€
Age is a factor, as 62 percent of those over 65 years old say they will never visit Grand Falls, and an equal percentage of those over 65 oppose building a competing casino.
NBP surveyed a random selection of Sioux Falls registered voters May 23rd through May 25th.
The question on the likelihood of visiting the Iowa casino drew 510 respondents with a margin of error of 4.3 percent. The question about a competing casino received 482 responses with a margin of error of 4.5 percent. Both question have a 95% confidence level.
Nielson Brothers Polling will release more findings from its Sioux Falls survey in the next few days — including questions on approval ratings for Mayor Huether and city council members, as well as teacher salaries. NBP plans to continue its research and publication of local opinions as a civic resource. Interested parties may contact NBP with regard to questions and answers on past and future surveys. For more information contact nbpolling@gmail.com, or call 605 496-0911.
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