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Cigarettes, Cocktails and Calories
Trends come and go, but lifestyles typically remain for generations. A trend is defined as “a general direction in which something is developing or changing.” Lifestyles are how a person or group actually lives. Just where is Sharon Harris going with this one…
casino smoking, but New Jersey continues to make excuses. Over eight years, former Governor Phil Murphy did nothing to advance the bipartisan solution in place. New Governor Mikie Sherrill already has done little since taking office. She must take action.
Eating and drinking habits are also evolving. Liquor establishments, including corner tavern and upscale venues, have been American staples since the 1933 Prohibition repeal. The disastrous 1920 nationwide experiment banned all alcohol, introducing organised crime and bootleggers selling illegal booze.
H
ollywood, the American music industry and fashions have always set consumer trends. Wheel of Fortune, one of the most successful television game shows is among the most profitable slot machines.
Coin-op also used pop-culture icons. Who can forget the pop-opera Tommy from the 1970s? The Who’s Pinball Wizard was a “deaf, dumb and blind kid” who “sure plays a mean pinball?” What happens if a trend becomes a lifestyle? Can anything reverse the direction? Two current trends – dramatically reduced smoking and less alcohol drinking among all ages – may potentially
12 APRIL 2026
impact all casino’s lounges and restaurants. The National Health Interview Survey revealed that in 2024, 9.9 percent (25.2 million) American adults still smoked cigarettes, the lowest on record. Despite those statistics, many casinos and lawmakers still won’t completely ban smoking. With public protests planned at this month’s East Coast Gaming Congress in Atlantic City, lawmakers will again have to confront the issue. 2026 is the 20th anniversary of the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act that created the smoking-in- designated-casino- areas loophole.
Over two decades, numerous states have barred
For decades, as gaming floor revenues have often decreased, non-gaming amenities earnings have often increased. Celebrity chef restaurants and lounge/bars are common in casinos. “Bar Rescue” television reality host Jon Taffer, a 40-year hospitality veteran, is warning the liquor industry. While focusing on neighbourhood bars and restaurants, his advice holds true at full-scale commercial, tribal and smaller casinos in local jurisdictions.
For example, Taffer counts 7,000 whiskey brands, but claims most locations stock only 40. Of those 40, three account for 70 percent of sales. Current data shows only one in seven younger customers order alcohol and most don’t drink at lunch. Forget the traditional business lunch over cocktails.
As for food, health concerns and the explosion of weight-loss shots mean millions are eating less and differently. Smaller portions have become more available.
11/2/26 09:54
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