Casino News

Smoking ban could extend to AC casinos

2006-11-17 15:03:35

Casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey, initially exempted from the state's ban on smoking in public places when it came into force seven months ago, could now face similar legislation.

A new law eliminating smoking in all public places within Atlantic City, not least within the city's 13 casinos, has been proposed by local councillors.

Although legislation would not be introduced until 2007 at the earliest, it is thought that the casino industry may consider legal action to stop the motion being passed.

Smoking bans have been the subject of much debate within the gaming industry of late, with speculation over similar initiatives being introduced in Nevada and elsewhere.

Since such bans were introduced in Ontario, Canada, casinos have experienced a revenue decrease of ten per cent. However, a recent poll of casino-goers suggested that a smoking ban would actually result in a net gain in visitors, with more people likely to attend a non-smoking casino than were likely to go elsewhere to smoke and gamble.


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