Illinois May Cost Itself Needed Casino Growth
The Illinois state government, which has enjoyed the boons of explosive casino expansion, now seems determined to put speed bumps hindering growth into the path of the gaming industry. If not outright killing the golden goose, state legislators seem bound to make it sick by adding two new restrictions.
As of January 1st, cigar and cigarette smoking will be banned at casinos in the state; and lawmakers are pushing for required identification checks for all patrons. Currently, the casinos check ID for anyone who appears under thirty, to prevent underage entrance.
Some industry analysts warn the drop in revenue due to the new smoking law may be as high as 20%. Gamblers who enjoy smoking are expected to seek venues in neighboring states which still allow smoking, or to simply play less, as it would be a less pleasurable experience.
The city of Joliet, host to two casinos, estimates a downturn in income of 7.5%. The loss of smoking players is seen to be somewhat mitigated by the gain of players who stayed away to avoid the smoke-filled environment. Still, many think the loss will be greater. Previous anti-smoking laws caused major losses in both Delaware and Windsor, Canada.
The process of checking more identification would be nominally to prevent entry of the 5000 or so residents of Illinois who have signed up for the state's self-exclusion program.
Casinos in the state, expecting 16.5 million visitors this year, cite the creation of logjams and long lines as reason to avoid the program. Also, issues of privacy have arisen in Missouri, the only state currently using a card-entry program, and those issues will certainly be valid in Illinois as well.
