Shareholders of major casino operators Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming Corporation are set to vote on proposals that would require the companies to study the feasibility of implementing smoke-free policies in their casinos.
The push for smoke-free casinos comes as public health concerns about the dangers of secondhand smoke continue to grow, and as more states and municipalities implement smoking bans in public spaces. Proponents of smoke-free policies argue that casinos, which are often crowded and poorly ventilated, pose a significant health risk to both employees and patrons who are exposed to secondhand smoke for long periods of time.
Caesars Entertainment, which operates over 50 casinos in the United States and around the world, has faced criticism in the past for its lax smoking policies. The company has come under fire for allowing smoking in its gambling areas, despite widespread concerns about the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Activist investors and public health advocates have been pressuring Caesars to take action on the issue, and the company’s shareholders will now have the opportunity to vote on a proposal that would require Caesars to conduct a study on the potential benefits of implementing smoke-free policies in its casinos.
Boyd Gaming Corporation, another major casino operator with properties in several states, is also facing pressure to address the issue of smoking in its casinos. The company has been urged by shareholders to study the impact of smoke-free policies on its bottom line, and to consider the potential benefits of going smoke-free in its gambling establishments.
While some casino operators have resisted implementing smoke-free policies, citing concerns about potential revenue losses, others have successfully made the transition to smoke-free environments. The Park MGM in Las Vegas, for example, became the first smoke-free casino on the Strip in 2020, and has reported positive feedback from both employees and patrons.
Supporters of smoke-free policies in casinos argue that going smoke-free can actually attract more customers, as non-smokers may be more inclined to visit a casino where they can enjoy a smoke-free environment. They also point to the growing trend of smoke-free gambling venues in other parts of the world, including Macau and Australia, as evidence that smoke-free policies can be implemented successfully without significant negative impacts on business.
The upcoming shareholder votes at Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming Corporation are expected to be closely watched by investors, public health advocates, and casino industry stakeholders. The results of these votes could have far-reaching implications for the future of smoking policies in the gaming industry, and could potentially pave the way for more casinos to go smoke-free in the coming years.