Gamblers Want Smoke Free Casinos in California
California has banned smoking in most workplaces thirteen years ago, tribal casinos is still the one place in California where smokers can go and light up. California regulations don’t apply on Indian land, so far only one tribe the Hoopa North of San Francisco has decided to make its casino smoke-free.
J.D. Power and Associates did a survey last week found out that 85% California gamblers would prefer a smoke free casino. “It’s an opportunity for casinos in difficult times” said Sam Thanawalla, who oversees the hospitality and travel studies for the consumer research organization.
Some casinos are taking their customers requests seriously, the Sycuan Resort and Casino near El Cajon has turned a quarter of their gambling floor into a smoke free gambling wing. Patrons who prefer a smoke free environment will have their own entrance, a cashier cage and restroom.
Last year The Valley View Casino took the initiative to have a smoke free glass room and this year they are thinking of adding on a extension to it.
Viejas Casino & Turf Club in Alpine said “more then half their casinos are smoke free is nonsmoking. The only problem with their casino is, there’s no barriers between smoking and non-smoking areas. Casinos who don’t have a physical separation between the smoking and non-smoking area is a bad idea and is very disturbing and upsetting to both types of patrons.
Smoking has been on a decline in California since 1984, when polled about 25% of the State’s adults said they smoked; by 2006 only 13.3% said they did. Smoking and gambling go hand in hand, some gamblers smoke to help relieve the stress of risking their money. Smoking does not increase how long or how much the gamblers spend at the casino unlike alcohol.
Michelle Situ
- Posted: 2008-07-08
- Last Modified: 2008-07-08 15:11:44
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