Leech Lake Gaming announced the entity was lifting its smoking ban on all gaming properties, with the exception of Shingobee on the Bay in Walker.
“Gambling and smoking go hand and hand. If you’ve visited Las Vegas recently, you’ll see that all the casinos have re-introduced smoking,” said Leech Lake Gaming CEO Michael Michaud.
“After reviewing the properties’ data we determined that it is a key component in choosing which casino you’ll visit. We will offer non-smoking sections in the casinos to cater to those who do not smoke.”
Michaud went on further to say, “Before reaching this final decision we did discuss with some of our Associates and guests. Although according to industry standards state only 13 to 17% of people who gamble smoke we feel it was important to those who do smoke in northern Minnesota to have a choice.”
Effective July 17, smoking sections will reappear at the Northern Lights Casino in Walker, the White Oak Casino in Deer River, and will be introduced at the Cedar Lakes Casino in Cass Lake.
The CDC says cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the U.S.
Nearly 12 of every 100 adults in the U.S. 18 and older currently smoked commercial cigarettes in 2021.
Secondhand smoke, according to the CDC, contains hundreds of harmful chemicals and about 70 chemicals that are believed to cause cancer.
