Casino plans to Ban smoking in US
25th March, 2009
The smoking ban in the UK resulted in the bingo industry being hit hard with visitor numbers significantly falling. There had been a long tradition of visiting a local bingo hall and meeting friends whilst smoking.
However when the UK smoking ban was brought in, many saw their visitor number dwindle with millions deciding to playing online instead. With online gambling still severely limited in the US, many still travel to their local casino or bingo hall.
Connecticut state officials are planning on implementing a smoking ban in their casinos, however this is strongly objected by local tribe owners.
Chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council, Bruce Bozsum said, "On behalf of the Mohegan Tribal Nation, I am truly disappointed to see that the Public Health committee is moving forward with a bill that infringes on our sovereign rights"
He went onto add, "Our objection is not about issues related to secondhand smoke. We are proud of the steps we have taken to mitigate smoke on reservation lands"
UK companies such as Gala Coral have already begun constructing outdoor smoking areas for visitors which are heated and covered. These will soon allow players to take part in bingo or casino games whilst smoking.
By Jamie
