News that the smoking ban in Atlantic City has actually been put onto the statute books has dismayed casino operators in the region where the industry is already under severe financial pressure. The ban came into affect on Wednesday and while it is too early to see the impact there are horror stories with some analysts expecting attendance numbers to fall by up to 30% on top of severe recent falls. So what next?
There is real concern for the casino industry in Atlantic City and the fact that a number of operators entered the area with the full backing of the authorities. To then be kicked in the teeth by a smoking ban which will dent business to say the least has left many less than impressed at the administration. The problem which the authorities have now is the fact that less footfall to casinos means less tax for the authorities and more pressure on the public purse.
It will be interesting to see how the authorities react when their tax income plunges lower and lower and public services come under more and more pressure. Then we may see a serious rethink, but will it all be too little too late?
News that the smoking ban in Atlantic City has actually been put onto the statute books has dismayed casino operators in the region where the industry is already under severe financial pressure. The ban came into affect on Wednesday and while it is too early to see the impact there are horror stories with some analysts expecting attendance numbers to fall by up to 30% on top of severe recent falls. So what next?