Gaming Operators Fight Spanish Smoking Ban

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 - Alfie Williams.

At the beginning of the year, the Spanish government approved a ban that prohibits smoking in public places like bars, restaurants and bingo halls. Already, the ban has had a negative effect on the profits of gaming venues. According to recent reports, the Spanish bingo market has seen an 18% decrease in revenue. 

Now, gaming operators in the country are fighting the ban in order to save their profits. Since the ban was introduced, casino operators in the country have appealed to gambling operators in order to have the ban on smoking lifted in venues. The appeals to the laws were rejected, prompting gaming operators to introduce an ultimatum to politicians. 

Operators stated that if they are not permitted to establish designated smoking areas on their premises, they will make plans to become private members’ clubs. As these types of venues are not considered public places, smoking would be allowed on the premises. 

As a result of this threat, there is now the possibility that gaming venues will be allowed to create designated smoking areas. This would certainly restore some revenue to bingo halls and other gaming venues across the country.