Published on: October 8, 2024, 01:07h.
Last updated on: October 8, 2024, 01:14h.
Canadian casino gaming influencer Brian Christopher is unveiling findings from what he claims is the largest-ever study on smoke-free casinos. He will present the survey results at G2E in Las Vegas, as per an exclusive interview with Casino.org.
Christopher, the CEO of BCSlots, is a prominent social media figure in the world of slots and casinos.
Christopher Hosting G2E Panel Discussion
The study, conducted on behalf of Christopher and the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF), found that a large majority (86%) of casino visitors prefer smoke-free environments.
The survey also indicated that 86% of casino guests are non-smokers, with non-smokers making up 87% of frequent players and a significant 89% of high-income players (earning over $150,000).
In an earlier interview with Casino.org from G2E, Christopher expressed surprise at certain survey results.
“I never expected that 34% of visitors have health conditions preventing them from entering smoking casinos,” he stated. “Imagine the potential business growth by going smoke-free. Additionally, our data shows that more affluent individuals prefer smoke-free casinos compared to those with lower incomes. Casinos often claim high-limit players smoke, but our survey proves otherwise.”
Christopher will lead a panel discussion on this topic at 2 p.m. tomorrow at The Venetian Expo. Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of ANRF, Tashina Williams, senior content marketing manager at Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee, and Bryan Hayes, senior vice president of gaming operations at Foxwoods Resort Casino, will also participate.
Leading Casino Social Media Influencer
The issue of smoke-free casinos is of great importance to Christopher. Brian Christopher Slots has gained recognition through platforms such as BCSlots.com, BCSlots YouTube channel, FlipTheSwitch.com, BCSlots Cruises, and Rudies Fan Club.
Their social media reach includes eight million unique monthly viewers, 1.8 million subscribers, and a record-breaking 1 billion video views in the casino gaming realm.
In 2023, Brian Christopher Slots received accolades for Streamer of the Year and Slot Collaboration of the Year at the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards presented by SBC.
“I don’t understand why this isn’t a priority for everyone,” he shared with Casino.org. “We chose to promote smoke-free properties not for financial reasons, but for the health of my team, who were falling ill after trips. Surprisingly, our demand and profitability have increased since then.
Christopher expressed his desire for all companies to prioritize the well-being of their staff and guests above all else, as well as conduct surveys with their guests to address misconceptions.
“Many countries and states have adopted smoke-free casino policies and are thriving,” he remarked. “Ultimately, gamblers visit casinos to gamble, not to smoke. Smokers can do that at home.”
Survey of 2,136 Casino Visitors
A statement from Christopher highlighted that 91% of casino employees are non-smokers, and 95% would prefer to work in a smoke-free casino environment.
The online survey, conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, involved 2,136 casino visitors.
Survey participants emphasized that a smoke-free casino is a more critical factor (61%) than cleanliness (49%), travel distance (41%), and payout likelihood (31%). Ninety percent of respondents, including smokers, considered safe indoor air quality important, a sentiment echoed by 97% of casino staff.
“Instead of blaming revenue challenges on smoking policies, let’s focus on enhancing casino facilities for everyone (including staff) to enjoy,” Christopher urged in the statement.