Organizers of some of Michigan's charity gaming events say they're feeling a financial pinch
DETROIT (AP) -- DETROIT (AP) - The organizers of some of Michigan's charity gaming events say they're feeling a financial pinch because gamblers who are also smokers are staying away now that they can no longer light up at gaming centers because of the state's smoking ban.
The Detroit Free Press reports that attendance and revenue at Michigan's bingo parlors and charity card games dropped about 25 percent in the most recent quarter. According to figures from the Michigan Lottery, statewide charity gaming revenue for the third quarter of 2010 was $45.5 million, down from $61.8 million for the same quarter in 2009.
Some charity gaming organizer blame the state's ban on smoking in most public places, which took effect May 1.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)