Survey Says Majority of Casino Patrons Want a Smoke-Free Environment (Exclusive)

Posted on: October 8, 2024, 01:07h. 

Last updated on: October 8, 2024, 01:58h.

Mark Keast Read More

Expertise: Canadian Gaming, iGaming, Las Vegas, Sports Betting, NFL, Boxing, UFC.

Canadian casino gaming influencer Brian Christopher is releasing the results of what he says is the largest-ever research study on smoke-free casinos, and will be discussing the survey at G2E in Las Vegas on Wednesday, according to an exclusive interview with Casino.org.

Christopher, CEO of BCSlots, is one of the leading social media influencers for slots and casinos in the world.

Christopher to Host G2E Panel Discussion

The study, conducted on behalf of Christoper and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF), reported that the vast majority (86%) of casino patrons prefer playing at smoke-free casinos. The survey further revealed that 86% of casino patrons are nonsmokers, with 87% of frequent (several times per month) players and 89% of high-income players (earnings of more than $150K) saying they are nonsmokers.

In an interview with Casino.org at G2E, Christopher said parts of the survey surprised him.

I never would have thought the number of patrons with health conditions that stop them from going to smoking casinos would be as high as 34%,” he said. “Imagine the business [casinos] would get just by removing smoking. Also, that more higher-income people prefer smoke-free casinos than lower income. Casinos often argue their higher-limit players smoke, but our survey says the opposite.”

Christopher will be headlining a panel discussion on the topic at 2 p.m. Wednesday at The Venetian Expo. Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of ANRF, Tashina Williams, senior content marketing manager for the Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee, and Bryan Hayes, senior vice president of gaming operations, Foxwoods Resort Casino, will also be taking part.

One of the World’s Leading Casino Social Media Influencers

The issue of smoke-free casinos is near and dear to Christopher’s heart. His YouTube channel, Brian Christopher’s Slots, boasts a following through brands such as BCSlots.com, BCSlots YouTube channel, FlipTheSwitch.com, BCSlots Cruises, and Rudies Fan Club.

Their social media channels reach eight million monthly unique viewers, have 1.8 million subscribers, and recently set a new casino gaming record of 1 billion video views.

In 2023, Brian Christopher Slots was named Streamer of the Year and Slot Collaboration of the Year at the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards presented by SBC.

I’m just not sure why it’s not a passion for everyone,” he told Casino.org. “It was not a financial decision for us to only promote smoke-free properties – it was for my team’s health who were all getting congested and sick after trips. And yet, we have become more in demand and more profitable ever since.”

Christopher added it’s his wish that every company put the health of their staff and patrons first above all else, and to survey their guests to dispel perceived thoughts.

“Other countries have implemented smoke-free casinos, as have many states, and they’re all flourishing,” he said. “Bottom line, gamblers go to the casinos to gamble. Smokers aren’t going there to smoke, they can do that at home.”

Survey of 2,136 Casino Patrons

A statement from Christopher on Monday pointed out that 91% of casino workers are nonsmokers, and 95% would prefer working at a casino that guarantees a smoke-free environment.

The online survey was conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, surveying 2,136 casino patrons.

“Let’s not peg revenue challenges on smoking policies, and focus on actually improving casino properties so that all people (including staff) can enjoy them better,” Christopher said in the statement.