Gamblers 'go elsewhere' to avoid smoking ban

2008-02-15 12:31:44

The implementation of a casino smoking ban in Illinois has resulted in many gamblers traveling to neighboring states to do their gaming.

At least this is what has been implied by Frank Fantini, whose expert opinion was used by the Kansas City Star to highlight how harmful smoking restrictions have been to the casino industry.

Smoking bans have caused damage to numerous gaming locations around the world, not least in the UK where regulations last year led to the closure of numerous bingo halls and large drops in profit for many casino operators.

"If anybody thinks casinos are fibbing when they talk about the damage to business from smoking bans, all they have to do is look at Illinois," Mr Fantini said.

"Gaming revenues plunged 17.4 percent in January under the state's new smoking ban."

These figures suggest that gamblers have been heading to nearby Missouri - which does not have a smoking ban - instead.

Casinos in that state saw a 7.8 per cent growth last month, despite January traditionally being a slow time for the casino trade.