From CNBC: 2024-05-09 16:40:46

A new strategy has emerged in the battle to ban smoking in casinos: the shareholder vote. Shareholders at Boyd Gaming, Bally’s Entertainment, and Caesars Entertainment will vote on proposals forcing the study of costs associated with indoor smoking. 75 U.S. casinos currently permit indoor smoking where state law allows.

Three companies operate 75 U.S. casinos permitting indoor smoking. Advocates point to research indicating smoke-free casinos generate more revenue than competitors allowing smoking. Proponents argue that shareholders should know the costs associated with indoor smoking, such as higher health insurance premiums for employees and decreased customer satisfaction.

Caesars board member Jan Jones Blackhurst believes decisions about smoking bans should be left up to governments as experience has shown smoke-free casinos can suffer an economic hit. However, unions are mixed in responses—some worry about potential job losses, while others cite secondhand exposure for employees as a concern.

The U.S. Surgeon General states that typical casino practices do not effectively protect against secondhand smoke, and the CDC emphasizes that 100% smoke-free indoor air environments are the only way to fully protect nonsmokers. Casino operator Parx remained smoke-free during the pandemic and reported no significant impact on market share, focusing instead on guest satisfaction and employee morale.

MGM Resorts opened the first smoke-free casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Advocates hope this will set a precedent for more smoke-free casinos in the future. In the ongoing debate, the real impact on casinos of going smoke-free—financially and culturally—remains to be seen.



Read more at CNBC: Casinos face shareholder votes over indoor smoking