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New reports show visits to Illinois' nine casinos for 2008 is down by almost a million visitors compared to the same time period (January through August) in 2007. Tom Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, blames the smoking ban that went into effect in January, saying the ban is, "having a major impact...[gamblers] are spending less time on the machines. They'll play for two hours and then take a half-hour break." According to the Illinois Gaming Board, adjust gross receipts are down 18 percent while the state share of admission and wagering taxes is down over 25 percent. Right. We're sure it's all about the smoking and has nothing to do with the economic turmoil that's been worsening throughout the year.
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Uh, don't vice businesses do just as well (or better?) during worsening economies?
I'm sure it has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the huge increases in gas and grocery prices and the subsequent reduction in disposable available for people to piss away on slot machines.
@Benjy:
+1.
It's never just one thing. The economy is hurting business for sure, but don't underestimate the strong ties between smoking and gambling. In order to really know, I would compare it to the performance of casinos in Indiana and Wisconsin, which still allow smoking.