online casino news Casinos To Welcome Back Smokers In A Few Weeks
Atlantic City casinos have had a no-smoking policy for more than a year now. But gamblers will be allowed to smoke indoors again in just a few weeks.
As covid-19 public health emergency eases in the coming weeks, smokers will be at liberty to light up their favorite pack. It is expected that casinos in AC will relax their restrictions, unless Governor Murphy extends the restriction.
The coronavirus pandemic saw 1,100 casinos in the US ban indoor smoking on a temporary basis. Anti-smoking agencies have since asked for the temporary ban to become permanent.
Advocates like the Americans for Nonsmokers Rights have regularly issued statements highlight the positive impact the temporary ban has had on gaming revenues.
“Smoke-free casinos are good for business because guests want clean air,” the advocacy argues.
The likes of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Ohio have recorded impressive numbers in 2021. Commercial Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) in the first quarter of 2021, totaled $11.1 billion.
Going Forward
Smoking Ban Could have a massive impact on Business. While there are talks of making the temporary ban, permanent, some factions believe such move will have long term effects on businesses.
“It’s an industry that is finding its feet after such a rather usual working environment last year,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “The argument before was that you’re going to chase away a percentage of their business, and nobody’s been able to disburse that thought process.”
The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ), strongly opposes any plans for permanent banning of tobacco smoking in casino floors.
“A smoking ban would have a significant adverse effect on Atlantic City, resulting in a decline in customers, which would cause job loss and ultimately, a decline in tax revenue that benefits the state and local economy, as well as New Jersey seniors and persons with disabilities,” the CANJ said in a statement.
The association says physical gaming is more profitable for casinos than online platforms. The association insists gaming revenue numbers are misleading and last year’s result shouldn’t been seen as a benchmark due to the unusual nature of the last 12 months. The presence of physical players means entertainment centers, food and beverages, and hotel also benefit.
Some lawmakers insists, the move to ensure a permanent ban on cigarettes in Atlantic City casinos is still on. Several advocates continue to push for the permanent ban.
