Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ Kewadin Casinos Go Smoke-Free

The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced that its casinos have gone smoke-free, appeasing those who advocate for healthier indoor environments. The milestone decision came amid increased calls for a smoking ban across gambling venues in the United States.

The Kewadin Casinos Will No Longer Allow Indoor Smoking  

The Sault Tribe, which operates five Kewadin Casino properties in Michigan, decided to put an end to indoor smoking in December and create a healthier indoor environment. For context, the tribal operator owns several casinos in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They are located in Christmas, Hessel, Manistique, Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace.

The policy was officially adopted by the Sault Tribe Board of Directors on September 17 and came into effect on November 11. The change, according to officials, aligned with the casino’s broader efforts to provide a more enjoyable environment to its patrons.

Smokers haven’t been forgotten either as all Kewadin Casino locations will provide designated outdoor areas with dedicated seating for smokers. These areas will be convenient and easily accessible, allowing players to enjoy smokes in comfort.

In the meantime, Kewadin Casino locations will undergo renovations and sanitation to complete the transition to a smoke-free indoor environment. As a result, the casinos will replace their carpets and tiles and undergo HVAC and duct cleaning.

Kewadin Casinos Listened to Guests and Employees’ Requests

Allen Kerridge, Kewadin Casinos’ chief executive officer, commented on the monumental change, saying that it aligns with the tribal operator’s broader mission to create the “very best experience possible” for its guests. Since the operator understood that many customers and team members would prefer going smoke-free, it decided to oblige.

We’ve heard from many customers and team members who feel a smoke-free environment is the right step forward. We’re excited to meet their needs and provide an even more welcoming atmosphere at all our properties.

Allen Kerridge, CEO, Kewadin Casinos

The motion was welcomed by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. Its tribal relations consultant Clinton Isham praised the Sault Tribe for joining over a thousand cassinos in going smoke-free. Isham added that he hopes this will encourage other gambling properties to follow suit.

Indoor smoking has cemented itself as one of the hot topics of the American gaming industry. While many gambling properties have gone smoke-free with great success, other casino companies have remained reluctant to do so, fearing for their profits. This has sparked disgruntled calls for reforms and accusations that some companies value their income more than the well-being of their workers.