Time for a non-smoking casino?

Though I think it will not happen for some time, I think a SINGLE casino in the sea of options on the strip could make it work. Both MGM and CET could just pick one of their casinos and should be able to draw enough people so as to not hurt their overall business. A V/P, or Cosmo could not do it, but the big boys could.

Ditto for me!!!!

it would take more time and money to rid a casino of the stench of former smoking customers than either MGM or CET would want to put into the project.

the one in Biloxi was going through an extensive remodel anyway and I seriously think I may slip down there for a couple of days this summer just to experience a casino free of nasty smoker stench

Chilcoot nailed it.....lololololololol

The same could be said about those who drink kool-aid

They outlawed smoking in Arizona in bars/restaurants and honestly, it has not been a big deal. The businesses and people adapted. I used to occasionally smoke when I would drink, and the idea of the smoking ban (especially in bars) really irritated me before it actually became "the law". But the bars created nice patios outside with Flat Screen HDTV's and nice seating...and if someone wants to smoke, they have a perfectly awesome area to go outside and do it. Couldn't casinos do the same thing? Outdoor blackjack tables? Outdoor poker tables? Honestly, when it is the law, people get used to it. If the state mandated it, I have a tough time believing that people would avoid going to Vegas just because they could not smoke.

But, if they don't implement a no-smoking policy in casinos, I can honestly say the smoke does not bug me and it would be no big deal. I live about two miles from the Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino in Arizona and when I go in there, I cannot spend more than twenty minutes inside without getting a horrific cigarette smoke induced headache. This is the reason that I rarely ever go there (maybe once a year?) This is not the case with Vegas casinos. The ventilation is so great, I hardly ever even smell it, and it has certainly never caused me to avoid the city.

Now that I think about it, I think I would still go to Vegas even if it were raining toads. Forget I said anything.

The only way it will work is if Las Vegas and all Nevada adopts it at all casinos, then others will too.

It will be better health for all of us and the employees.

Laura won't like it, she smokes!!

The Nevada legislature passed a bill last week repealing a portion of the Clean Air Act, to allow bars to serve food and have smoking, as long as nobody under 21 is allowed to enter. The bars had complained that they've lost business and laid off employees as a result of this act that was passed 3 years ago.

I'm a non-smoker so I don't have a dog in this hunt but I think your comment is ignorant.

There are likley very few who would argue the dangers of smoking in this day and age. This would ironically include those in the smoking community. That's not of issue.

The OP raised the issue on the merit/viability of of a non-smoking casino.

Other States have experimented with this, tried it and reversed course. Illinois is a recent example:

“Ladies and gentleman, if we’re serious about our budget crisis in Illinois, let’s be real. This is not about the smoking issue. This is about the money,” said Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago), the bill’s House sponsor.

Burke said the smoking prohibition has cost the state $800 million in lost casino-tax revenues since the imposition of the ban and has caused East St. Louis, home of the Casino Queen, to lay off municipal workers."

Just a week ago as Sue points out, the NV legislature reversed a three year old decision that prevented smoking in bars that serve food provided they don't serve patrons over the age of 21.

You may not like it, but there are economic and competitive realities that show that now isn't the time for a non-smoking casino. My bet is that the Palace casino in Biloxi will reverse their position in within 2 years; assuming they don't go bust before then.

The bottom line is that if this was viable concept, casino's would be doing it. It's all about the Benjamins.

Dan

"I think your comment is ignorant"

That goes without saying, Dan, but I'm glad you said it. I am not stupid, and neither are any of the smokers I know.

Besides, casinos don't depend on "stupid" people to pay the rent. They depend on people who are ignorant about gambling. There's a difference between "stupid" and "ignorant." Look it up, Chilcoot. And be careful about calling people names.