In Maryland and Ohio, gaming properties are successfully smokefree indoors AND compete effectively in multi-state regional markets against both smokefree and non-smokefree venues. For example, Ohio’s casinos are frequently cited with taking away significant revenue from Indiana (even though Indiana casinos still have indoor smoking). When casinos go smokefree, workers, patrons and shareholders all win. People who smoke still go to these venues (just like to restaurants or bars) based on factors like location, knowing they can easily just step outside to smoking patios off the gaming floor to light up and come back in. Today, 87% of U.S. adults are nonsmokers and even many smokers don’t want to breathe other people’s smoke indoors.

According to an article in the Baltimore Sun titled Maryland casinos set revenue record in March: “Maryland’s six casinos combined to set a monthly revenue record in March, topping $150 million for the first time, according to the state’s gaming regulatory agency. The casinos were led by MGM National Harbor, which generated $60.4 million from slots and table games — its most ever in a month, the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency said. MGM’s revenue was 17.9 percent higher than the same month a year earlier.”

And an article on Cleveland.com, titled Ohio casino and racino March revenues hit record high; Jack Cleveland Casino’s best in three years, stated: “… The statewide casino revenue of $81.7 million was an 8.3 percent increase from March 2017 and the best month since casinos opened, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission.”

TAKE ACTION

Help make ensure ALL employees have the right to breathe smokefree air at work –

  1. Visit a smokefree casino, join the players’ club and tell them how much you enjoy the property
  2. Leave an online review on sites like Yelp or Trip Advisor either to show your support for the smokefree property