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NON SMOKING AREAS FOR GAMBLERS

In a message dated 1/9/2006 11:19:35 AM Pacific Standard Time,
lainiewolf702@yahoo.com writes:
Part of the problem with these studies is that they don't quantify how
business will improve because of the lack of smoking
This is an excellent point. I have many friends that have visited Vegas in
the last few years and refuse to spend much time in the casino. They go in for
one or two hours, can't take the smoke at the tables and have to go to their
rooms. They would go every night for many hours if not for the smoke. They
actually get sore throats as they are not use to that much smoke. They complain
that they have to have all of their clothes cleaned before they return them to
their homes due to the smoke smell. Plus, they can only take about two days of
eating meals in rooms where there is any smoke.

    But, I also wonder if the studies plug in other factors such as the
reduction in cleaning for casinos if you do not have cigarette ash trays to clean,
floors to vacuum more, and in the casinos with cloth ---cleaning. I know that
in the building I have my office the difference in cost to most tenants was
surprisingly substantial after smoking was outlawed in California. The building
has now outlawed smoking in most of its outdoor areas! In addition, many many
smokers in California gave it up once they could not smoke in their own
office. That may not improve profits at a casino --but it does indicate what the
long run impact maybe on casino players. I think gamblers will forego cigarettes
to gamble--but I think gambling in Vegas overrides a lot of things like
eating, having sex, seeing the sites, etc. I am always amazed at how long and late
into the night my friends spend at the tables when they can stay up for the
10:00 news!!

China

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China, you raise some really interesting points. You make me wonder if "big tobacco" pays the casinos... Lainie

China15334@aol.com wrote: But, I also wonder if the studies plug in other factors such as the
reduction in cleaning for casinos if you do not have cigarette ash trays to clean,
floors to vacuum more, and in the casinos with cloth ---cleaning.

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China15334@a... wrote: But, I also wonder if the studies

plug in other factors such as the

reduction in cleaning for casinos if you do not have cigarette ash

trays to clean,

floors to vacuum more, and in the casinos with cloth ---cleaning.
   
I think we tend to see casinos as being about as smart as the
dumbest employee we encounter there. All hyperbole aside, casinos
today are large publically traded companies run by smart people who
make their shareholders lots of money. I suspect they've done the
cost-benefit analysis many times in the past. Clearly, if they
could make the change with little or no negative impact they'd do it
in a second. Lower cleaning costs, lower liklihood of future health
related class action lawsuits and on and on. One of management's
jobs is to mitigate risk while maintaining profit. Keep in mind the
city is an international destination now. Many Europeans and Asians
like to smoke. In addition I think there are psycological factors
(if you're looking at profits) that argue against making these
places smoke free. Heck, isn't this the same industry that studies
the impact of every sensory input on gambling?

Eventully the outcome of that analysis will change and they will ban
smoking. Until then, they'll lobby to keep an environment they
think generates the greatest profit. Isn't that what all companies
do? I think to assume they don't consider this issue or are not
sophisticated enough to do a complete analysis sells these companies
short. No offense intended. Getting the results of one of these
studies would be quite interesting. If people do follow through on
their plans to mail the casinos to complain they should get some
sort of response that tells people the industry position. I think
you're more likely to get a complete and thoughtful response if you
write to shareholder relations and postion it as a risk to the
company's future profit stream.