Health of employees and visitors is at-risk during COVID-19
At least 135 Tribal casinos have gone smokefree since start of pandemic
October 27, 2020
Contact: press@no-smoke.org
Las Vegas, NV — Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, which advocates for smokefree indoor air at gaming properties nationwide, released the following statement as the annual Global Gaming Expo (G2E) launched today:
“As the gaming industry gathers virtually this year because of the ongoing pandemic, it’s impossible to ignore the dangers posed by permitting smoking inside casinos. Think about it — visitors must wear a mask, but they are allowed to remove their mask to smoke and blow potentially hazardous droplets into the air for fellow guests and gaming employees to breathe in. No credible public health official would approve of this, but it’s standard operating procedure in too many casinos.
“Today, nearly 1,000 casinos, including at least 135 Tribal gaming properties and Park MGM on the Las Vegas Strip, are permanently smokefree. Pennsylvania recently instituted a temporary smoking ban and year-over-year gaming revenue has actually increased. We urge gaming companies to stop relying on outdated myths about revenue loss and instead consider that a smokefree environment will attract new and younger visitors and align with the 94 percent of casino visitors who prefer smokefree casinos.
“This moment is a huge opportunity for gaming operators to help ensure the safety of their employees and all visitors by going permanently smokefree.”
*To arrange an interview, please email press@no-smoke.org.
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