'The pandemic altered consumer expectations and consumer behavior in virtually every industry, including retail, entertainment, lodging, dining, and casino gaming. It suggests smoking will be the next such change to be accepted. It notes that the pandemic changed several key aspects of the casino experience, including the elimination of daily housekeeping in many places, the closing of buffets, and an end to room service - all of which customers have gotten used to. The research firm says its report was done independently and was not financed by any outside party. The report issued Friday by Las Vegas-based C3 Gaming comes as several states, including New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, are considering banning smoking in casinos. (AP) - For decades, it was accepted wisdom in the casino industry that eliminating smoking would automatically lead to revenue declines and customer losses.īut a new report examining how the coronavirus pandemic has changed gamblers' habits says that may no longer be the case.
