Re: OT: Smoking ...Will a ban hurt of help the Industry

"John W" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> There is a growing debate regarding smoking in gaming establishments.  There
> is merit to both sides of the argument.  In the long run,  will the clean
> air attract more non-smokers who currently eschew casinos because of the
> smoke infestation?  Will this amount be enough to offset the smokers who
> will not return?  Are non-smokers more conservative(in general) in gambling.
> Do smokers have a higher propensity for gambling and alcohol addiction?
> With all things being equal,  based on demographic information,  is the
> expected profit per smoker higher than the non-smoker?  I'm not interested
> in discussion on why smoking should or should not be allowed,  but more to
> the financial impact to the industry if it is banned vs maintaining the
> status quo.

What two things should you bring to Vegas? Money and Chapstick.

Here are some effects of a total smoking ban and my guess at how
severe the financial impact would be to the casino:


1. Some smoking gamblers would stop or reduce their playing time.
Small effect. (Note that if there were competing places, such as
Indian casinos, that still allowed smoking, this effect would be a lot
bigger.)

2. Many smoking gamblers would take cigarette breaks outside the
casino, resulting in less bets per hour. Small effect, especially
since some number of people play until they are broke anyway, so it
would just take them a few minutes longer, on average.

3. Many non-smokers would increase their playing time or try gambling
for the first time. Small to Medium effect.

4. Casino would save money on health insurance (they do provide health
coverage for employees right?). There may not be many studies about
casino employees health, but I'm sure that the HMOs have higher
premiums for them. Small effect.

5. Casino would save money on cleaning, air circulation/filtration
etc. related to smoking. Small effect.


It seems to me that a ban on smoking would have a small positive
effect on casino revenue. The optimal solution, both socially and
economically, would be to split casinos up into smoking and
non-smoking sections. But, if the only choice is a total ban, it won't
be that big of a deal. The bottom line is that gamblers will gamble.
If smoking in the casino isn't an option, they will work around it.

More on effect 3: I personally would increase my gambling a lot if
there were non-smoking casinos, or even sections in a casino. I hate
all the smoke. It makes hair and clothes smell. Also, every time I go
to Vegas, my lips get chapped and I get a sore throat.

-M