By Stephen Florino

HONOLULU (KHON2) — No one knows gambling better than those in Las Vegas. They said they’re more than willing to help Hawaii if we decide to bring gambling to the islands, and they said there’s a lot our lawmakers can do to protect the community before deciding to roll the dice.

Gaming experts said if Hawaii legalized gambling and opened a casino, one of the key questions should be how a casino would fit into the state’s economic ecosystem.

“The issue of having a legal integrated resort here isn’t about whether or not Hawaiians come to it,” said Alan Feldman, UNLV International Gaming Institute. “It’s about changing around the tourist base. Changing the mix of tourists that you’re getting. And even with fewer tourists, having greater revenue.”

That topic was one of the many as leaders from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce hosted a business exchange summit in Waikiki. The goal – share insight about the “fun economy” – sports, tourism, entertainment and gaming – with their counterparts here.

“It’s very encouraging to hear that it’s not necessarily gambling itself, it’s more broader economic development issue and how that can stimulate our economy and make our economy much more resilient,” said Sherry Menor, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President/CEO.

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