US Casino May Benefit from Ontario Smoking Ban

As reported by the Buffalo News: "Seneca Niagara Casino executives hope that where there's smoke, there's more money.

"A new indoor smoking ban that became law late last month across the Niagara River in Ontario now makes the Seneca casino the only gambling hall in Niagara Falls that allows patrons to light up.

"…What is allowed in the Niagara Falls casino is also the policy for the Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca and would be the case for the planned casino in downtown Buffalo, all on sovereign Indian territory.

"Several owners of businesses near Seneca Niagara Casino have bemoaned what they consider an unequal playing field. They contend that the New York State smoking ban, instituted in July 2003, cost them business and that their loss has been the Senecas' gain.

"It was clear last week that the Indian nation sees smoking as a competitive advantage. The issue came up during a panel discussion Wednesday during the fifth annual New York gaming summit at Seneca Niagara. Executives from the U.S. and Canadian casinos were asked to state the main advantages of their respective establishments.

"…Seneca Niagara Casino has covered its bases. It has areas for both smokers and nonsmokers, including in the restaurants and on the gambling floor…"

2006-06-26