|
England’s recent ban on smoking in public places will
negatively affect the slot machines casinos and the bingo parlors. Though
the ban does not officially start until July 1, 2007, the slot machines
casino and bingo parlors are expected a significant drop in players and thus
in their revenue. Once the new ban takes affect, players will have to
actually leave the parlor or casino—potentially stopping their slot machines
and bingo playing—and smoke outside.
The owners of these establishments know that this could be a death sentence
for them because a very large percentage of their players enjoy smoking
while they gamble. At the bingo parlors, the patrons are largely retirees
who go to the parlors as a way to pass their time. The casinos on the other
hand cater to a younger clientele—one savvy enough to expect technological
advances to counter this latest ban.
The casinos are looking into using handheld slot machines as a way to entice
patrons to continue coming to the casinos in England to gamble. The players
would have the option of bringing the handheld slot machines with them
outside while they smoke. If this technological advancement is successful,
it could successfully counter the negative effects the ban will have on
revenue.
The bingo parlors on the other hand have no real alternative, and many fear
the smaller bingo parlors will close once the ban takes full effect. When
they look to other countries, Scotland saw a drop in revenue when they also
banned smoking. So though the casinos and parlors do anticipate a drop in
revenue and attendance, they are actively seeking alternatives.
Back to January News>>>
Back to Recent
News>>>
|
