For Immediate Release
86% of Casino Visitors Prefer Smokefree Casinos, as Number of Smokers Continues to Decrease
Las Vegas, October 7, 2024 — A poll conducted on behalf of casino gaming influencer Brian Christopher of BCSlots and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) shows that the vast majority (86%) of casino patrons prefer playing at smokefree casinos. Meanwhile, 86% of casino patrons are nonsmokers, with 87% of frequent (several times per month) players and fully 89% of high income (more than $150,000) players saying they are nonsmokers.
“The overwhelming majority of Americans don’t smoke, and that includes casino players. The fact is, gamblers go to casinos to gamble. Our survey has shown that even smokers prefer smokefree facilities, so why are casinos reluctant to update their practices? 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,” said Brian Christopher. “I’m proud to say that BCSlots exclusively visits casinos with end-to-end smokefree experiences. Players are calling for it — it’s time for casinos to listen.”
The poll lends further support to the growing movement for casinos to protect the health of their patrons and workers by joining nearly every other workplace in America in going smokefree. Importantly, 91% of casino workers are nonsmokers, and 95% would prefer working at a casino that guarantees a smokefree work environment.
“Casinos are clinging to outdated business practices by continuing to resist the call to go smokefree indoors,” said ANRF President and CEO Cynthia Hallett. “While we have long known that smokefree policies are critical to protecting casino patrons and workers from the harm of secondhand smoke — including an increased risk of asthma, lung cancer, and COPD — this poll is further evidence that smokefree policies make good business sense, too. If the positive benefit to players’ and workers’ health isn’t enough, there’s a clear benefit to casinos’ bottom lines as well.”
The preference for smokefree casinos is true across the entire gaming experience, from active playing to dining. Players said that a casino being smokefree is a bigger factor (61%) than cleanliness (49%), travel distance (41%), and how likely it is to pay out (31%). This is true no matter how often players go to a casino. 90% of respondents, including smokers, agreed that safe indoor air was important. 97% of casino workers agreed with that sentiment.
The online survey, conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, surveyed 2,136 casino patrons on their attitudes towards smoking.
Additional insights from the poll will be shared at a panel on the player perspective at Global Gaming Expo, with BCSlots Creator and CEO Brian Christopher, ANRF President Cynthia Hallett, Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee Sr. Content Marketing Manager Tashina Williams, Foxwoods Resort Casino Senior Vice President Bryan Hayes.
The poll lends further support to the growing movement for casinos to protect the health of their patrons and workers by joining nearly every other workplace in America in going smokefree. Importantly, 91% of casino workers are nonsmokers, and 95% would prefer working at a casino that guarantees a smokefree work environment.
“Casinos are clinging to outdated business practices by continuing to resist the call to go smokefree indoors,” said ANRF President and CEO Cynthia Hallett. “While we have long known that smokefree policies are critical to protecting casino patrons and workers from the harm of secondhand smoke — including an increased risk of asthma, lung cancer, and COPD — this poll is further evidence that smokefree policies make good business sense, too. If the positive benefit to players’ and workers’ health isn’t enough, there’s a clear benefit to casinos’ bottom lines as well.”
The preference for smokefree casinos is true across the entire gaming experience, from active playing to dining. Players said that a casino being smokefree is a bigger factor (61%) than cleanliness (49%), travel distance (41%), and how likely it is to pay out (31%). This is true no matter how often players go to a casino. 90% of respondents, including smokers, agreed that safe indoor air was important. 97% of casino workers agreed with that sentiment.
The online survey, conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, surveyed 2,136 casino patrons on their attitudes towards smoking.
Additional insights from the poll will be shared at a panel on the player perspective at Global Gaming Expo, with BCSlots Creator and CEO Brian Christopher, ANRF President Cynthia Hallett, Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee Sr. Content Marketing Manager Tashina Williams, Foxwoods Resort Casino Senior Vice President Bryan Hayes.
For Immediate Release
Brian Christopher Leads New Generation Into Smokefree Gaming
Las Vegas, January 9, 2023 — Leading casino gaming influencer Brian Christopher will now exclusively promote smokefree casinos and gaming spaces
The wildly popular Brian Christopher Slots channel on YouTube and Facebook reaches more than 5 million monthly unique viewers, showcasing his journey to entertain players while prioritizing the health of staff and casino goers alike. Sold out Brian Christopher Slots meet & greets and group events attract a growing fan base to casinos across the US. Brian has pledged to continue his work as an official advocate for the American Nonsmokers' Rights (ANR) Foundation, and as supporter of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE).
“We thank Brian Christopher for his unwavering support of casino workers and joining us in the fight for smokefree casinos,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. “As we continue our campaign to make all casinos smokefree indoors, Brian Christopher’s commitment to promote only smokefree gaming spaces will help raise awareness of this serious issue and the conditions casino workers are forced to endure.”
As part of Brian’s pledge to smokefree gaming, in the coming months he will be launching the updated Brian Christopher Slots at Plaza, a brand new casino expansion on the front of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. The new and improved version will grow Brian Christopher’s curated slot machine titles from approximately 25 to 85+. It will be the first-ever entirely smokefree gaming area in Downtown Las Vegas, featuring outdoor access through the Plaza’s reimagined Main Street facade, complete with independent ventilation, and all the excitement that Brian’s followers expect.
“BCSlots at the Plaza has been very successful. Guests enjoy playing the games that they have seen Brian play in his videos, and many appreciate the fact that his dedicated area is smokefree. Given the continued popularity of BCSlots at the Plaza, we are excited to open Brian Christopher Slots as our new and expanded smokefree and social media friendly casino addition next to our iconic dome entrance,” said Lisa Melmed, marketing manager at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Last year, Brian Christopher formed BC Ventures, an umbrella company to house and grow various strategic initiatives including a mutually exclusive partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Existing and future projects in this vibrant portfolio will be managed under the same principle of prioritizing smokefree experiences.
Brian elaborated, “It is time for gaming to join the ranks of the best entertainment venues, restaurants and bars that went smokefree years ago. The health of those who work and play in casinos should be just as important as in any other industry. With only 13% of the US population smoking nowadays, it no longer makes sense that 100% of patrons should have to be exposed to harmful chemicals. As BC Ventures takes the pledge in 2023, I am happy to share that we are almost fully booked with smokefree casino visits for the year, as we continue to attract younger demographics with our premium experiences. Millennials and Gen Z grew up in a smokefree world — and they demand it.”
“We thank Brian Christopher for his unwavering support of casino workers and joining us in the fight for smokefree casinos,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. “As we continue our campaign to make all casinos smokefree indoors, Brian Christopher’s commitment to promote only smokefree gaming spaces will help raise awareness of this serious issue and the conditions casino workers are forced to endure.”
As part of Brian’s pledge to smokefree gaming, in the coming months he will be launching the updated Brian Christopher Slots at Plaza, a brand new casino expansion on the front of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. The new and improved version will grow Brian Christopher’s curated slot machine titles from approximately 25 to 85+. It will be the first-ever entirely smokefree gaming area in Downtown Las Vegas, featuring outdoor access through the Plaza’s reimagined Main Street facade, complete with independent ventilation, and all the excitement that Brian’s followers expect.
“BCSlots at the Plaza has been very successful. Guests enjoy playing the games that they have seen Brian play in his videos, and many appreciate the fact that his dedicated area is smokefree. Given the continued popularity of BCSlots at the Plaza, we are excited to open Brian Christopher Slots as our new and expanded smokefree and social media friendly casino addition next to our iconic dome entrance,” said Lisa Melmed, marketing manager at the Plaza Hotel & Casino.
Last year, Brian Christopher formed BC Ventures, an umbrella company to house and grow various strategic initiatives including a mutually exclusive partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Existing and future projects in this vibrant portfolio will be managed under the same principle of prioritizing smokefree experiences.
Brian elaborated, “It is time for gaming to join the ranks of the best entertainment venues, restaurants and bars that went smokefree years ago. The health of those who work and play in casinos should be just as important as in any other industry. With only 13% of the US population smoking nowadays, it no longer makes sense that 100% of patrons should have to be exposed to harmful chemicals. As BC Ventures takes the pledge in 2023, I am happy to share that we are almost fully booked with smokefree casino visits for the year, as we continue to attract younger demographics with our premium experiences. Millennials and Gen Z grew up in a smokefree world — and they demand it.”
About Brian Christopher Slots
Brian Christopher is the award-winning casino gaming content creator. He publishes daily videos playing slots in casinos and online, showing millions of fans how to have a great time with an entertainment budget. His content excites and educates the most vibrant, diverse, and deeply engaged player community. For partners and brands, Brian Christopher Slots offers the only complete gaming influencer marketing suite — helping you truly connect with players, unlock performance, and innovate the casino experience. To learn more, visit BCSlots.com and @BCSlots on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Kick.
About The American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation
The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) is a 501(c)3, educational nonprofit organization, which creates comprehensive programs to prevent the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and smoking among youth and adults. Incorporated in 1984, the organization has more than 35 years experience promoting prevention and education about smoking, secondhand smoke, and exposing tobacco industry interference with public health policies. The foundation's goals include educating the public about the health effects of secondhand smoke and the benefits of smokefree environments. Ultimately, these efforts are intended to create a smokefree generation of Americans that rejects tobacco use and is savvy to tobacco industry tactics.
Media Contacts
[email protected]
[email protected]
Brian Christopher is the award-winning casino gaming content creator. He publishes daily videos playing slots in casinos and online, showing millions of fans how to have a great time with an entertainment budget. His content excites and educates the most vibrant, diverse, and deeply engaged player community. For partners and brands, Brian Christopher Slots offers the only complete gaming influencer marketing suite — helping you truly connect with players, unlock performance, and innovate the casino experience. To learn more, visit BCSlots.com and @BCSlots on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Kick.
About The American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation
The American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) is a 501(c)3, educational nonprofit organization, which creates comprehensive programs to prevent the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and smoking among youth and adults. Incorporated in 1984, the organization has more than 35 years experience promoting prevention and education about smoking, secondhand smoke, and exposing tobacco industry interference with public health policies. The foundation's goals include educating the public about the health effects of secondhand smoke and the benefits of smokefree environments. Ultimately, these efforts are intended to create a smokefree generation of Americans that rejects tobacco use and is savvy to tobacco industry tactics.
Media Contacts
[email protected]
[email protected]
