Smoking Ban Affecting Germany's Casino Industry

A number of German casinos could close over the next few years as a result of the smoking ban.

Roulette and blackjack are two of the casino games in Germany to have witnessed a drop in revenue in recent years, according to the spokesperson for the Federation of German Casinos.

Matthias Hein told IGamingBusiness.com that money made from roulette and blackjack has fallen from $1.52 billion (£0.78 billion) in 2002 to $1.43 billion in 2007.

Furthermore, it is thought that up to five casinos in the central European country could close between now and 2011.

Mr Hein also claimed that anti-smoking legislation may divert the country's gambling fans to illegal venues, while online casinos may also increase in popularity.

"Four out of five casino customers smoke," he stated. "Smoking and gambling are inseparable."

His comments follow similar concerns expressed by the UK's Bingo Association last year. Apparently, the home nations' smoking ban is having a negative effect on the bingo industry, as a high percentage of numbers game players are also smokers.