In neighboring Saskatoon there are two government run casinos, Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw that are subject to a smoking ban. They have experienced a $10 million CD decline in their profits in the first year of the ban. The Indian casinos operated by First Nations, that aren’t subject to the smoking ban are having a record year.

Smoking is becoming an issue in North American casinos just as it was in the United Kingdom’s bingo games. A smoke free environment is considered healthier for all visitors, but many gamblers are smokers. Some casinos have banned smoking as far back as 2003. One Canadian bingo free game, Manitoba Lotteries Corporation had to become smoke free in 2003 to comply with province regulations. They experienced a decrease in profits of $27 million CD in the year following the ban. They are still recovering.

There are various calls to outlaw smoking in the Las Vegas casinos. Nevada has already banned smoking in certain areas, like bars that serve food and the areas around slot machines in grocery stores and gas stations. This is one of the results of the November elections in Nevada. The ban does not apply to the UK bingo. The state’s major industry would suffer financially from such a ban if it were applied to casinos in spite of their claim of good ventilation systems.

Gamblers tend to be smokers. Prohibiting smoking in casinos tends to keep the players away. They go to casinos where they can smoke or find another use for their time.