Casino operators contest no smoking ban

Romania just issued a ban on smoking in public and casino operators are concerned the implementation may affect their revenues.

Romania.- The Romanian casino industry is concerned that new no smoking regulation could have a negative impact and significantly reduce their gaming revenues. Operators explain that the ban would make it difficult for their gamblers to stay put at the gaming tables and therefore it will impact the amount of money they spend at the casinos.

Ever since 2011, Romania’s government has discussed the possibility of implementing a smoking ban. Late last year, the government revealed the regulation will include playgrounds, bars, restaurants, casinos and workplaces.

Violeta Radoi, who is the executive director of Romslot, the country’s slot organisers association stated: “European experience has shown that in other countries, banning smoking in the halls of game had serious repercussions on revenue of operators, which have fallen by 30 to 40 percent, although the law was not as tough as in our case.”

Romslot points out that countries like Sweden, Italy, Belgium and Austria have imposed smoking bans in the country, but they permit gambling establishments to allow smoking on their premises and the association wants the Romanian government to amend the new laws accordingly. Furthermore, Romslot has cautioned the government that the smoking ban could significantly reduce the amount of gambling taxes that the casino industry generates this year. Currently, the casino industry in Romania currently generates around €600 million (US$679 million) in gambling taxes.