Atlantic City Casinos to Discuss Total Smoking Ban

Casino News - October 2nd, 2009 - Written by Glen

Last October, Atlantic City Casinos had been discussing whether or not a total smoking ban within the 11 casinos in the region would be enacted. With a recession on the horizon and the fear of plummeting revenues, they decided to postpone the decision for one year. One year has passed, and now the issue is as hazy as a smoke filled room.

With revenues slipping over 15%, officials contemplate whether or not the casinos could handle the drop in visitors tied into the loss of the smokers. Nearly 400 jobs were lost this year alone, and the sliding revenues still show no sign of relief. Last year saw a small two week period in which smoking was accidentally banned, a two week period in which sales were down twice what they normally were.

As of now, one forth of a casino's floor may accommodate smokers. Whether or not the push for a complete ban will be heard is up in the air, as well as the clouds of smoke. Unions of casino workers emphasize their own health, while casino operators simply cannot afford to watch their income droop any lower than it already has. New York and Pennsylvania are already creating heavy competition for Atlantic City, and a smoking ban could be the nail in the coffin of the casino owners.

Several casinos are already under bankruptcy, and this trend is likely to worsen should the casinos ban smoking. The toss up boils down to what workers, operators, and guests are willing to sacrifice first - their health or their money.

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