I. Introduction
Four Winds Casino, located in New Buffalo, Michigan, recently made a groundbreaking decision: it has become a smoke-free casino.
As one of the premier casinos in the region, the announcement sent shockwaves throughout the gaming industry. This decision was not only bold, but it also defied expectations. Casinos have long been associated with smoking – it’s almost as if the two go hand in hand – and Four Winds’ decision to go smoke-free was a surprising one.
But as we’ll see in this article, it’s also an important one. Not only does this move put the safety and health of patrons and employees first, but it’s also a step forward for the larger industry as a whole.
II. Experience the Fresh Air: Four Winds Casino Goes Smoke-Free
In late 2019, Four Winds Casino made the announcement that it would go completely smoke-free within its buildings. This was a big deal, especially considering that smoking has long been a part of the gaming experience, with patrons often lighting up at slot machines or blackjack tables.
However, the decision to go smoke-free isn’t just a feel-good move. Instead, it has real, tangible benefits for both patrons and employees. For one, it’s a move that prioritizes health and wellness: smoking – especially secondhand smoke – is known to be incredibly harmful and can lead to a host of issues including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections, among others.
And it’s not just secondhand smoke that’s a danger to non-smokers. According to the American Cancer Society, “about 7,300 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke.” This puts non-smokers at risk even if they’re not directly inhaling the smoke.
This move also makes sense from a business perspective: over 80% of Americans are non-smokers, meaning that many customers avoid casinos altogether due to concerns about secondhand smoke. With a smoke-free environment, Four Winds is able to appeal to a broader range of customers who may not have visited before due to smoking concerns.
III. Clearing the Air: How Four Winds Casino is Prioritizing Health and Wellness
To maintain a smoke-free environment, Four Winds has taken many measures to ensure that customers and employees are breathing easy. This includes not just forbidding smoking indoors but also limiting it within close proximity to the buildings themselves.
Further, advanced technological systems are employed to maintain air purity, including advanced air filtration and ventilation systems. These measures are in place to mitigate any potential second-hand smoke from outside, further improving staff and patrons’ experience.
Along with the technical upgrades, Four Winds has also trained its staff extensively on how to maintain a smoke-free environment, and employees are empowered to politely ask any patrons who are smoking to step outside and away from the building to do so. Customer feedback has been universally positive, with many praising the fresh and clean experience now on offer.
IV. The Latest Move in Casino Trends: A Smoke-Free Four Winds CEO Shares the Decision-Making Process
What was the decision-making process like for Four Winds’ CEO Frank Freedman? We spoke with him to get his take on the decision to go smoke-free.
“It wasn’t necessarily an easy decision. There were certainly concerns and things we had to think through,” Freedman said. “But ultimately, we felt that this was the right move for us and our customers. We care about their safety and wellbeing and wanted to made the strongest possible statement on that.”
From Freedman’s perspective, the move to go smoke-free isn’t just something that benefits Four Winds’ current customers: it also helps position the casino for future growth and success.
“We know that there are customers who haven’t come to Four Winds before because of concerns about smoking. By making this change, we hope to appeal to a broader range of customers and show them that we’re listening to their concerns.”
V. Smoking is Out: Four Winds Casino Leads the Way in Providing Smoke-Free Gaming Options
Four Winds isn’t the first casino in the country to go smoke-free, but it is certainly one of the largest. And the move has significant consequences for the industry as a whole.
In recent years, casinos across the country have been increasingly moving towards smoke-free environments. Partially, this reflects changing opinions about smoking in general – fewer people smoke today than at any point in the past several decades – but it also speaks to a larger trend towards promoting health and wellness within the casino industry.
By taking such a bold step forward, Four Winds could be setting a new industry standard – one that other casinos will be eager to follow. As the company has noted, there are significant benefits to be had with a smoke-free environment, both in terms of customer satisfaction and employee health and wellness.
VI. For Those Who Like To Breathe Easy: A Look At Four Winds Casino’s Smoke-Free Policies
As we’ve noted, Four Winds has gone all-in on its decision to be a smoke-free environment. But what exactly does that mean?
According to the casino’s website, smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas. Additionally, there is no smoking allowed within 25 feet of any building or entrance. For customers who may still want to smoke, there are designated areas on the property where smoking is allowed.
Enforcement is key, of course, and Four Winds has empowered their staff to be vigilant about making sure patrons are following the no-smoking rules. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers noting that they appreciate the fresh air and clean environment on offer.
VII. Gambling Without the Smoke: Four Winds Casino Sets a New Standard in Casino Safety and Comfort
Overall, Four Winds’ decision to become smoke-free is a positive one and offers significant benefits to both patrons and employees. No longer do non-smokers have to endure the smell and harmful effects of second-hand smoke while gaming, and employees can work in an environment that doesn’t present hazards to their health and safety.
Further, it should be noted that this move positions Four Winds for future growth and success, as it will appeal to a wider range of customers. With the casino industry increasingly moving towards smoke-free environments, it’s clear that Four Winds is leading the way and setting a new standard for the industry overall.
VIII. Conclusion
Four Winds Casino’s decision to go smoke-free is a bold one, but it has already proven to be successful in many ways. Not only is it a move that prioritizes patrons’ and employees’ health and wellness, but it’s also one that positions Four Winds for future success and growth within the industry. We expect to see more casinos follow suit in the coming years, as the trend towards smoke-free gaming only continues to grow.