Park MGM Could Reopen as a Smoke-Free Casino

By Mike J. Davies Editor in Chief at Casinos.US Updated: 08/08/2020

Mike J. Davies Editor in Chief at Casinos.US See Full Bio

Mike is our Senior Editor and experienced gambling strategist. A former hockey player, he transitioned to the casino industry after finishing his B.A. in English. Blackjack systems, online casino guides, gambling terms, and more – Mike is familiar with all fine points of gambling.

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Smoke Free Casino

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, casinos across the United States have been forced to make many changes to their operations. These include allowing fewer people into the casino at any one time, reducing the number of players allowed at tables and slots, and extra cleaning of the casinos, among other things.

In Las Vegas, many casinos have reopened with these new measures in place. It has now been revealed though that the Park MGM in Las Vegas could go one step further by becoming the first Strip casino to go completely smoke-free when it reopens.

Indications Given by Signage

While casino officials from Park MGM have not yet officially commented on becoming completely smoke-free, there is signage around the property that suggests there will no longer be smoking allowed at the property.

The news is likely to receive mixed opinions from casino patrons. Many people have become used to being able to light up when they are in a casino and gambling. However, there are also patrons who do not smoke and will be pleased that they no longer have to breathe in second-hand smoke from others.

Dr. David Schwartz, a gaming research expert at UNLV, said:

Well, I think people who like smoking while they gamble will be alienated. I think people who don’t like breathing in smoke while they gamble will like it.

According to reports, there are some Las Vegas casinos that have put a temporary ban on smoking at tables and other key areas. However, it is not thought to be a permanent move unless there are more developments moving forward.

The signage around the MGM Park casino suggests that this could be a permanent move at the casino resort, which would be a first on the famous Las Vegas Strip. Some believe that this could be a marketing strategy, as being completely smoke-free could attract more people who want to enjoy gambling in a totally smoke-free environment.

A Variety of Benefits

Officials have said that in the current climate, stopping smoking at casinos offers a range of benefits to both patrons and employees. A smoke-free casino will provide patrons with a healthier environment and cleaner air, which many are interested in following the global pandemic.

In addition, not being able to smoke inside the casino means that patrons will not have to keep removing their masks. This will further enhance protection for both patrons and employees by reducing the risk of the infection spreading.

Infection Rate Rising in Nevada

There are also concerns about the infection rate across the state rocketing since casinos reopened on June 4th. Since that date, the state has recorded record numbers of cases, which has raised concerns among both state officials and casino patrons.

Patrons must now wear face coverings in Las Vegas casinos, and smoking would mean that they were taking masks off regularly to have a cigarette in an enclosed environment. Not being able to smoke would reduce the need for patrons to remove their masks.