As casinos gradually strategize on reopening strategies post-COVID-19 pandemic, there’s an emerging concern among shareholders sweeping through the industry. This is the pressing issue of indoor smoking, a lingering question that never fully disappears even before the pandemic hit. Beyond the issue of social responsibility, shareholders understand that there’s more to indoor smoking – and whether it’s time to push casinos to reassess it fully is the significantly loaded question recently.
According to a report on ‘Godzilla News’, shareholders of various casinos are pushing the management of these establishments to reevaluate their policies on indoor smoking. This is largely due to increasing consumer consciousness about personal health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarded as potential danger zones, even after robust reopening protocols, casinos face the challenge of dealing with both the spread of COVID-19 and the potential harm of secondhand smoke. This burgeoning concern is cultivating a new voice among the shareholders who are less concerned about short-term profit and more focused on the overall sustainability and welfare of their patrons and employees.
Most casinos in the United States previously permitted indoor smoking – adopting ‘modern ventilation systems’ in a bid to balance guest indulgence and maintaining an environment conducive for both the players and the casino personnel. However, critics argue that these systems are far from foolproof in preventing the associates’ exposure to second hand smoke. A situation that could underline the concerns of Health advocacy groups like ‘Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights’, who have for years cautioned the dangers of fourth hand smoke (residual nicotine and other chemicals left on various indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke).
An interesting observation noted in the Godzilla News report is the emerging trend of smoke-free casinos. Pre-pandemic, a handful of establishments embarked on this journey as part of their commitment to sustainability, better indoor air quality and overall public health. For example, the Park MGM Resort in Las Vegas went entirely smoke-free in September 2020. The unprecedented move was initially met with resistance, but the resort reportedly receives positive guest reviews on the decision, testifying that the change leads to a more comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience.
Shareholders are keenly following suit, being aware of both the benefits and drawbacks of implementing a smoke-free policy. Despite the initial potential loss of clientele, the benefits being highlighted include improved public health, decreased operating costs due to less cleaning and maintenance of gaming machines and furniture, plus decreased risk of a fire outbreak that cigarettes might cause.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that millennials, who represent the upcoming wave of casino customers, are reported to have the lowest smoking rates of any generation. Therefore, coupled with the increasing overall societal intolerance toward smoking plus the potential legal complications, it’s realistic to consider that the shift to smoke-free casinos isn’t just temporary but a necessary step forward.
In conclusion, it’s evident that a sizeable portion of casino shareholders are increasingly rallying behind the need for smoke-free casinos – a change driven by growing public health consciousness, societal shifts, and the haunting reality of the pandemic. The ball now is in the court of the casino industry to decide how it moves forward in these circumstances.