New Poll Shows Illinois Casino Patrons Prefer Smoke-free Air
(May 18, 2011)—
On Wednesday, May 11, 2011 the American Lung Association in Illinois and the Center for Policy Analysis at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth released the results of an Illinois statewide poll conducted from April 27, 2011 to May 9, 2011.
The report’s conclusion is that smoking prohibitions on casino gaming floors are not a significant cause of declining gross gaming revenues. In fact, the statistically significant results show that Illinois gamblers strongly prefer a smoke-free gaming floor. Specifically:
- 45% of respondents say they are more likely to visit a smoke-free casino
- 31% state that smoking/non-smoking does not matter to them
- 24% say they are less likely to visit a casino where smoking is prohibited
Contrary to the casinos’ claims that nearly all of their patrons smoke, the poll shows that only 20% of gamers say they smoke – a number in line with Illinois’ state smoking rate. Even 36% of smokers either prefer a smoke-free gaming floor or say that it doesn’t matter to them.
The Illinois poll also asked for possible reasons for making fewer casino visits in the last year. We weren’t surprised that rising gasoline costs topped the list:
- Increased cost of gasoline - 40%
- Increased cost of living - 35%
- loss of income – 16%
Fourteen percent of Illinois casino gamblers also said they had played video poker or slot machines at local clubs or bars (yes, illegally) instead of going to a casino. The researchers felt this local illegal gaming likely “cannibalized” slot machine revenues at the state’s casinos.
The simple fact is that the vast majority of Americans no longer smoke cigarettes or cigars, but the casino industry has generally failed to adjust to this significant lifestyle change. Our hope is that the myths the casino industry has cultivated over the years: that large numbers of gamers are smokers and that blame for declining revenues is due to the Smoke Free Illinois Act will finally be put to rest.
How Can I Help?
You can make sure House Bill 1965 doesn’t pass by sending an email to your Senator and telling them to vote “NO” on the bill. It takes 30 seconds and you can access an online form here. Your efforts will help keep Illinois casinos smoke-free and the Smoke Free Illinois Act intact!
