Smoking Ban to Kill Gambling in Windsor?

It seems that provincial legislators haven't taken into account all of the far-reaching effects of the soon-to-be-in-effect Ontario smoking ban. Sure, the ban will make for cleaner air and result in less exposure to damaging second-hand smoke by both patrons and employees of casinos and bingo halls, but what of the bingo hall owners?

“We expect to be devastated by this smoking ban,” said Mike Duval, who opened Paradise Bingo 21 years ago in what used to be a bowling alley. "At least 70 to 80 per cent of our customers are smokers. If the players can't have a cigarette while they play, they just won't come any more.”

First off, does anyone else find it odd that while less than a quarter of Canadians and Americans smoke, 70 to 80% of bingo players smoke? Does the high tension world of bingo require the soothing effects of a good cigarette? Or is it that when you're a hardcore, 'till-death-do-us-part smoker who has already pretty much given up on life, bingo just seems to be as good as it's gonna get? A more likely explanation, though I would agree that bingo halls likely attract more than the normal proportion of smokers, is that Mr. Duval is inflating his numbers to be a little self-serving.

In any case, it does seem more likely that the rising value of the Canadian dollar may be what's causing the bigger problem. As the US and Canadian dollars slide closer in value, it just doesn't make sense for Americans to make the trek over the border when they have casinos and bingo right there in Detroit. I'm sure there will be a loss of patronage from some Canadians looking to be able to smoke while they play instead of having to suffer the agony of smoking only between games, but it doesn't elicit much pity from me. Having worked in the area of tobacco, I'm all too aware of the numbers who suffer negative health effect to have sympathy for those who profit from its widespread use.

Windsor fears tourism disaster from smoking ban [Globe and Mail]

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

1. 1

   Cin said:

   I'm a smoker and I'm thinking about how my 'rights' have been abused by my government. Years ago, 'African American' were treated different because they weren't white. Time changed things as did our way of thinking. I'm being treated differently today because I smoke. I'm not allowed shelter from the weather, yet non-smokers are. I don't have the same rights as Indians, yet I still pay my 100.00 weekly in payroll taxes.. and still don't have a say. Somethings wrong with this picture. I work all day in a non-smoking enviornment. In the evening, I wish to relax and smoking is something I do to relax whether anyone else likes it or not. It should be my own choice. If non-smokers want to drink in a smokefree bar, then let Mr. Smokefree open a bar for 'Them'... and I will smoke in Mr. Smokers bar. THAT's how it should be. If you take a casino worker, who has the strain of a mortgage, car payments and children to raise and break it to them that they are laid off.. Welfare won't pay the bills.. ask them then if they wish to work in a 'smoking enviornment'... it should be 'THEIR choice.' There ARE still smoking casino workers who would love their job rather than be laid off due to a government whim. I pay enough in tobacco taxes to cover medical bills. So what if I die instantly in a car accident and never get to benefit all I've contributed. If this persists, then maybe someone should look at drinking and liver disease expenses... or the fact that you can't ride a bike on the west end of the city without inhalers for the pollution..how about exhausts from semi's? Where does it end?

   Posted at 12:14 AM, on June 2 2006

1. 2

   Jared said:

   I'm sympathetic to your frustration, but I don't buy the racial discrimination analogy. This ban is against a behaviour, not a person. Smokers are still welcome everywhere, they just can't smoke while they are there. It's more akin to allowing hunters in restaurants, but not allowing them to pull out their rifles bewteen courses, or preventing yodelers from yelling their way through their entree.

   
   

   Posted at 09:45 AM, on June 2 2006

1. 3

   Cin said:

   Please don't be sympathetic for me, but to your city which will be brought to it's knees with this ridiculous ban. All it has done is to convince 'smokers' that we are not wanted or appreciated in a society that feels it's 'better' than we are.
   I have (since the ban) attended gaming functions.. and I can tell you.. with only a mere 5 Americans (give or take) and my fellow smokers standing outside before the session (we were not happy and swore this would be our last visit) it was apparent that this was not going to be good for Windsor.

   We talked about online gambling, and how sales were down already for US patrons that evening. Someone mentioned that there were a few people there already (patrons) but not as many as there usually were for being CHEQUE DAY..meaning the first of the month.

   Please, don't symaphize with me.. you have a lot on your plate now. You will need to keep this city afloat. I've done more than my share for the last 40 years. The bankrupt and those who will lose their jobs and not to mention the dropping out of charities will need your sympathy. I do not. I am not going to attend your non-smoking functions when I can do it online and smoke to my content and give my money to a foreign country who 'appreciates' me. I'm happy.. I hope you too will be.

   Please take care of your health.. you will be soley needed now.

   Posted at 05:03 AM, on June 3 2006

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