How Profitable Is Park MGM? | Las Vegas Advisor

How profitable is Park MGM? I always wonder why doesn’t Caesars make one of their Vegas properties non smoking.

Since reopening as the Las Vegas Strip's only fully non-smoking hotel-casino in September 2020 (after the pandemic shutdown and another few months for renovations), Park MGM has, by all anecdotal evidence, been strongly profitable. With a strict policy that prohibits smoking in indoor areas, including the casino floor, rooms, restaurants, bars, convention spaces, and common areas, while providing outdoor smoking zones, MGM Resorts has positioned the property as unique in a highly competitive market.

MGM doesn't break out individual property financials in public reports, but Park MGM's performance can be inferred from direct statements from property leadership, For example, Park MGM's long-time President Ann Hoff (retiring early next year) has stated the smoke-free policy appeals to "a significant market" seeking a cleaner environment, leading to "incredibly positive feedback" and "no observed business downturn." The reviews we looked at from visitors mostly noted that the casino and sports book are consistently busy, with high occupancy and guest satisfaction. Indeed, every time we walk through the joint, it's packed with gamblers, guests, diners, drinkers, and Dolby Live concert-goers.

As for why Caesars doesn't designate its own non-smoking hotel-casino, the arguments, as always, boil down to business risk.

In a 2024 proxy statement, the Caesars board of directors noted, "Completely banning smoking... may risk alienating our smoking customers." They view current policies as balancing appeals to both smokers and non-smokers.

And it's not just the board. Shareholders rejected a 2024 proposal (from health groups like Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights) to study smoke-free cost savings. Of course, the board wasn't displeased with the vote, insisting that even studying the situation "wouldn't be an effective use of company resources."

Instead, Caesars emphasizes its superior ventilation systems, designated areas to protect non-smokers without a full overhaul, and other steps it takes to protect the health of non-smoking guests and employees.

Caesars' stance reflects a broader industry caution, despite evidence from Park MGM and other smoke-free casinos showing no revenue harm and potential upsides, like lower insurance/maintenance costs and broader appeal. If Park MGM's model continues to thrive, it could pressure competitors like Caesars to reconsider, but for now, they prioritize preserving the status quo over any short-term disruptions that a change in policy might engender.

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Comments

Donzack Dec-28-2025

Other states

I don’t see it affecting smoke-free casinos in Illinois. How about other states?

Tim Soldan Dec-28-2025

Eatily at Park MGM

Saying this as a former smoker, I really enjoy going to Eatily and walking through the non smoke before eating. The food just tastes better.

O2bnVegas Dec-28-2025

Caesars AC tables

Large and busy table section at Caesars AC, smoke free, all of it as far as I know.  Very busy.  One big stogie smoker I see plays there, keeps the stogie in his mouth for the flavor. What I've read is that New Jersey has been more proactive toward smoke-free.  Not totally but way more than Vegas/Nevada?

Candy

Candy

Randall Ward Dec-28-2025

good business

offering something no one else does is smart

Alan Canellis Dec-28-2025

Grooming

Does anyone else get that itchy feeling on the back of their neck, that a larger agenda is in the works?  All I ask is to think about it.
1. Make gambling seem like an afterthought (pushing/focus on dining, shopping, and entertainment)
2. Toying with the idea of time intervals on "free" drinks while gambling
3. Pushing for smoke free casinos (I am a non-smoker)
4. Less player friendly odds
I don't know what the agenda is or even can guess what it could be.  Just feels like grooming.

Sandra Ritter Dec-28-2025

Donzack

When Illinois casinos went smoke-free their revenue went down. A friend started going to Hammond Horseshoe instead. I prefer smoke-free and I'm not supporting smoking btw.

Scotski Dec-28-2025

Pechanga Is Non-smoking

Pechanga Casino in CA is Non-Smoking. It used to be you had to go outside to smoke, but Pechanga reopened its old upstairs Poker room as "Smokin' Hot Slots" and is for smokers. And boy does it stink.

John Dulley Dec-28-2025

Donzack

The ilani casino a little north of Portland in Washington state sure isn’t affected by being smoke free. In fact they seem to be on a slow and steady growth path.

Kevin Lewis Dec-28-2025

New Joisey

Candy, ever since 1979, when the first AC casino, Resorts World, opened, NJ casinos have been more heavily regulated than Nevada casinos. Examples: a representative of the NJ Casino Regulatory Agency on the casino floor at all times. Players cannot be barred for card counting. And yes, much more proactive re smoking--for instance, barring smoking at the first and third base BJ spots (which are closest to the d aler).

One of the major objections raised when the prospect of AC gambling was first raised was the unregulated, hyper permissive nature of Nevada gambling (this was still the monster era). Legislators repeatedly said that they wanted much tighter control and didn't want a second Vegas.

Of course, what they wound up getting was a combination of Calcutta and postwar Berlin, but it definitely ain't Vegas.

Bob Dec-28-2025

Caesars Vegas

I would think the Crowell would be a good test case for a Non- Smoking property! smaller casino, promoting the Classy vibe. and if it doesn't pan out... it's pretty easy to reverse, just unpack the ashtrays and matchbooks!

David Sabo Dec-28-2025

Side note: The Nomad gets lost

Nomad the hotel within the hotel located on the the top 4 floors of Park MGM has been rebranded. The Nomad is now called the Reserve. The Reserve is part of the Marriott Bonvoy's Autograph Collection. This changeover occurred on December 17 2025. I just listened to Anthony and Andrew's year end wrap up which was recorded on December 24 2025 and this new changeover wasn't mentioned.  FYI

VegasROX Dec-28-2025

That's rich...

"Completely banning smoking... may risk alienating our smoking customers." Isn't that a cute statement. Wonder how many have been alienated by allowing smoking. I've said it before and say it again. The claim that going non smoking inn restaurants would hurt the restaurant business,ws quickly shown to be a total fallacy. Same would happen at casinos. Park proves what happens, the rest should ALL follow suit.

hawks242424 Jan-08-2026

 Donzack

Actually IL going non smoking and IN not, it did affect IL revenues

Question of the Day - 28 December 2025

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