Smoke Ban Didn't Hurt Saskatchewan Casino Attendance
17 March 2005
REGINA, Saskatchewan – As reported by the CBC: "The province-wide smoking ban didn't hurt attendance at Casino Regina in the early weeks of 2005.
"In fact, according to documents obtained by CBC, about 25 per cent more people (1,175 more) visited the casino in January compared to January 2004.
"There was also a rise in attendance from December 2004 to January 2005 – 244 or four per cent. The provincial government banned smoking in most public places, including bars, restaurants and hotels, beginning Jan. 1.
"…Saskatchewan Gaming Corp. officials point out that the numbers refer to all visitors to the casinos – gamblers and non-gamblers.
"That means even though attendance is up – the impact on revenues from the slots and gaming tables is not yet known…"