Slots Advice for a non-smoking slot area (Hooray for Suncoast!)

[dex844]

Suncoast has established a slot area with "non-smoking" signs. Previously, they only had a few scattered banks of non-smoking machines. I have suggestions, and I'd like to see other opinions.

The new area is at the back of the second floor, past the main bingo entrance:

I counted 67 machines. Here's a view from behind:

I would suggest more prominent signage to ensure everyone is aware of the restriction. The easiest method is to rope off the access, forcing everyone through one entrance with clear warnings. Here's how I would do it:

Next issue is machine variety. With only 67 machines total, you don't need 5 of the same slot game. It's better to offer 1 or 2 of each type because it improves my chances of finding my favorite games without needing to venture out into the smoke.

Finally, I would strongly recommend advertising the non-smoking feature. Many Vegas casinos are 100% smoking, so you're offering a somewhat unique benefit, and you may attract new customers who wouldn't otherwise gamble.

 

[makikiboy]

This has been tried before. The gold coast had an entire area designated as non smoking. Sam's town still has an area that is non smoking (I think near the atrium). Unfortunately the gold coast one didn't do too well so they got rid of it (I don't think it is around anymore). The problem was that patrons wanted to move around so the non smoking area didn't generate enough revenue to continue.

Good luck with the Suncoast, hope that it catches on.

 

[dex844]

The problem was that patrons wanted to move around so the non smoking area didn't generate enough revenue to continue.

Hopefully the problems can be minimized with careful implementation. I think if game variety is good, it reduces the desire to stray out into the main casino. I've heard complaints that non smoking sections are difficult to police, but smokers will usually obey the rules if they notice the signs. The key is to define the area and label the perimeter with warnings that are difficult to ignore.

I think Suncoast chose a good area because it's a desolate part of the casino, so there's no urgency to generate huge play volume. And there's a large gap separating the nearest unrestricted machines, protecting against drifting smoke.

As for other Boyd casinos, Gold Coast has a small section of maybe 30 machines between the buffet and a bar/lounge area, but it's a tight fit, with smokers in close proximity. I believe Sam's Town has a section between keno and poker, but it's not well labeled. Orleans has a large section, but it needs better labeling.

 

[dtmk66]

Smokers can't read they can hang all the signs they want and it won't matter. It never fails I find a nice non smoking spot and a smoker will sit down next to me and share their smoke with me

 

[dex844]

Smokers can't read they can hang all the signs they want and it won't matter.

I know it seems that way sometimes, but in my experience it depends on the setup. If the casino simply posts signs on some machines, then yes, smokers will intrude. But if the boundaries are more obvious, smokers will take notice. Vegas casinos with clearly designated no-smoking areas include Arizona Charlie's Decatur (fully enclosed room) and Cannery (partially enclosed room). Rampart has no-smoking machines in the restaurant area far away from the main casino floor. I've played in all of them, and I've rarely encountered a smoker.

 

[tringlomane]

The best non-smoking area I have ever experienced (other than states that ban smoking in casinos of course) was the old Casino Queen when Illinois still allowed smoking. Totally enclosed with a door that shut tight. Wish more casinos did that.

Most casinos non-smoking areas fail because they rarely put hot games in that area.

 

[rob889]

Thanks for the info on Suncoast @dex844 I appreciate it. I'm still waiting for them to turn the upstairs portion of the California into a nonsmoking section. It is such a perfect area especially since the walkway is already designated nonsmoking (even though many smokers ignore the numerous signs). I'm tired of seeing small banks of old machines nobody wants to play designated as nonsmoking then they interpret the lack of play as "oh, they would have generated more revenue if they weren't nonsmoking." The first casino to open up a legit nonsmoking area with table games and all will get my loyalty for life. My time spent in the casino would probably be go up by at least 50% if I could breathe fresh air.

 

[dex844]

Most casinos non-smoking areas fail because they rarely put hot games in that area.

I'm tired of seeing small banks of old machines nobody wants to play designated as nonsmoking then they interpret the lack of play as "oh, they would have generated more revenue if they weren't nonsmoking."

Suncoast's selection is extremely poor, unfortunately. Here's a (blurry) close-up:

Of the 67 machines total, more than half are basically identical to the ones pictured. Each machine has about 8 video poker options, a couple keno, and one blackjack. The best video poker I saw was 7/5 Bonus, whereas the main casino offers many machines with 8/5 Bonus.

But the setup is still new, so I'm hopeful that they'll rearrange the inventory.

I'm still waiting for them to turn the upstairs portion of the California into a nonsmoking section.

The California seems like a logical choice because Hawaiians seem to smoke less than other gamblers, but downtown casinos just don't seem to care about the issue.

 

[TIMSPEED]

The best non-smoking area I have ever experienced (other than states that ban smoking in casinos of course) was the old Casino Queen when Illinois still allowed smoking. Totally enclosed with a door that shut tight. Wish more casinos did that.

Most casinos non-smoking areas fail because they rarely put hot games in that area.

I've seen a few Indian casinos here in California that have enclosed rooms like you're talking about...

 

[j52chips]

The debate will never end. Whether you smoke or not, Vegas already learned their money and business is with smokers. They tried nosmoking in bars etc and it failed. I'm a 40+ year nonsmoker but did from about 12 y/o until 18 y/o in the military in 1970, Lucky's and Camels. Yes it bothers me when someone is within short distance of me but then I can move. If hot, deal with it, or move. Without looking it up, I think Silver City??? tried it and closed. Not sure. Not worth fact checking.

 

[dmr]

I believe Sam's Town has a section between keno and poker, but it's not well labeled. Orleans has a large section, but it needs better labeling.

I don't smoke, and I try not to be a b*tch about it. Sams Town has supposed nonsmoking areas scattered about the casino. I agree that (everywhere, not just ST) it's seldom enforced and frequently ignored.

I really don't think (most of) the offenders are intentionally trying to be rude, just that they are so wrapped up in what they are doing (and, LOL under the influence) so they really don't notice the signs.

The only place I can think of where it was bad enough to be annoying in recent years was at Sams Town, over in the far row by the donut shop.

 

[tringlomane]

I don't smoke, and I try not to be a b*tch about it. Sams Town has supposed nonsmoking areas scattered about the casino. I agree that (everywhere, not just ST) it's seldom enforced and frequently ignored.

I really don't think (most of) the offenders are intentionally trying to be rude, just that they are so wrapped up in what they are doing (and, LOL under the influence) so they really don't notice the signs.

The only place I can think of where it was bad enough to be annoying in recent years was at Sams Town, over in the far row by the donut shop.

I don't think I've caught someone smoking in a non-smoking section yet. But in Vegas, I rarely notice a non-smoking section.

In the Midwest, typically it's much more clear.

 

[dex844]

The debate will never end. Whether you smoke or not, Vegas already learned their money and business is with smokers.

I don't see how a 100-seat non-smoking section materially negates the smoker-friendliness of a casino. If I managed a Vegas casino, my goal would be to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers.

Without looking it up, I think Silver City??? tried it and closed. Not sure. Not worth fact checking.

I tried looking it up. I think Silver City opened in 1974, banned smoking in 1991, reversed the ban in 1994, and closed in 1999. For any management contemplating an entirely smoke-free casino, I trust they'll evaluate evidence beyond the results of an obscure casino 25 years ago. A lot has happened in the industry since then, while the prevalence and demographics of smoking have changed markedly.

 

[harley777]

All you have to do is look at Revel in Atlantic City and see that a non smoking casino will not survive even today...

 

[paperposter]

i think theres on in the venetian on the floor

 

[tringlomane]

I don't see how a 100-seat non-smoking section materially negates the smoker-friendliness of a casino. If I managed a Vegas casino, my goal would be to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers.



I tried looking it up. I think Silver City opened in 1974, banned smoking in 1991, reversed the ban in 1994, and closed in 1999. For any management contemplating an entirely smoke-free casino, I trust they'll evaluate evidence beyond the results of an obscure casino 25 years ago. A lot has happened in the industry since then, while the prevalence and demographics of smoking have changed markedly.

More modern evidence hints that banning smoking still hurts casinos, especially if close neighbors still allow it (e.g. Harrahs New Orleans smoking ban). Smoking and gambling are more correlated than I would prefer.

I played in both sections at Horseshoe Hammond today, and I could tell some difference between smoking and non-smoking in the air. Mainly due to my neighbors not lighting up in my face in the non-smoking section. But it's non-smoking neighbor Illinois is hurting imo from the total indoor smoking ban and other casino restrictions they impose. It's pretty nice to play in a completely non-smoking environment though. The only place I typically deal with significant indoor smoke now is casinos.

 

[dex844]

All you have to do is look at Revel in Atlantic City and see that a non smoking casino will not survive even today...

All you have to do is look at Palace in Biloxi and see that a non smoking casino will thrive and prosper. The entire casino has been smoke free since 2011.

Within the same period, the nearby Margaritaville casino, which was 100% smoking, opened and closed.

If I rely on isolated evidence, I can support almost any viewpoint.

 

[dex844]

More modern evidence hints that banning smoking still hurts casinos, especially if close neighbors still allow it (e.g. Harrahs New Orleans smoking ban). Smoking and gambling are more correlated than I would prefer.

I haven't really studied the evidence, but I suspect the revenue losses at Harrahs NO or in Illinois were partly attributable to the drastic change of business model. Any time an abrupt change is implemented, it immediately drives away established customers. Then the attraction of new customers happens only gradually.

But I'm not pushing the idea that a casino has to be all or nothing. I think a (primarily) smoke-free casino could probably improve its chances of success by including a smoking section.

 

[makikiboy]

... Whether you smoke or not, Vegas already learned their money and business is with smokers.

Not really. Many casinos welcome both smokers and non smokers. Some casinos don't want to lose business from either group as much as possible and that's why they allow smoking and will try to have non smoking areas to attract the non smokers. Many strip casinos have high ceilings and a good ventilation system to hopefully dissipate the cig smoke.

But as was learned before, you can't get rid of one group so that's why the idea of a non smoking casino won't work because the smokers won't play there. Non smokers still play in smoking-allowed casinos.

 

[harley777]

I do wish they would have more non-smoking sections at casinos. I have been to Palace Casino in Biloxi and really enjoyed it. I just think in general addiction goes hand and hand. Gambling and smoking and drinking=money goes hand and hand...