Rhode Island’s two commercial casinos are requesting additional state benefits as officials deliberate on a potential indoor smoking ban. The casinos claim this measure would offset losses if the ban is enacted.
Rhode Island may end indoor smoking in casinos as workers protest unhealthy conditions. Approximately 150 employees from the state’s casinos recently supported a bill to end indoor smoking.
If passed, House Bill 5464 and Senate Bill 188 would close a loophole allowing Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton to permit indoor smoking.
Bally’s opposes the ban, arguing it could significantly impact business. The company, which operates Rhode Island’s sole brick-and-mortar casinos, contributes 60% of video lottery terminal revenue and 15.5% of table game revenue as taxes, totaling around $350 million yearly.
Bally’s requested Rhode Island increase its annual marketing subsidy from $4 million to counteract the smoke ban’s negative effects. The company estimates potential losses of $20 million annually without the ban.
Senate Bill 1112 proposes combining Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton into a Consolidated Marketing Program, providing them about $6.75 million.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com