Casino gaming influencer Brian Christopher announced Monday he is exclusively promoting smoke-free casinos and gaming spaces from here on out. His channel on YouTube and Facebook reaches more than 5 million monthly unique viewers, “showcasing his journey to entertain players while prioritizing the health of staff and casino goers alike.”
Christopher has pledged to continue his work at casinos as an official advocate for American Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) Foundation, and as a supporter of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE).
Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, stated: “We thank Brian Christopher for his unwavering support of casino workers and joining us in the fight for smoke-free casinos.”
“As we continue our campaign to make all casinos smoke-free indoors, Brian Christopher’s commitment to promoting only smoke-free gaming spaces will help raise awareness of this serious issue and the conditions casino workers are forced to endure,” she added.
As part of Christopher’s pledge to smoke-free gaming, in the coming months, he will be launching the updated Brian Christopher Slots at Plaza, a brand new casino expansion on the front of the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
The new and improved version will grow his curated slot machine titles from approximately 25 to 85+. It will be the first-ever smoke-free gaming area in Downtown Las Vegas, featuring outdoor access through the Plaza’s reimagined Main Street facade, complete with independent ventilation.
Lisa Melmed, marketing manager at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, also commented: “BCSlots at the Plaza has been very successful. Guests enjoy playing the games that they have seen Brian play in his videos, and many appreciate the fact that his dedicated area is smoke-free.”
“Given the continued popularity of BCSlots at the Plaza, we are excited to open Brian Cristopher Slots as our new and expanded smoke-free and social media-friendly casino addition next to our iconic dome entrance,” she further stated.
Last year, Brian Christopher formed BC Ventures, an umbrella company to house and grow various strategic initiatives including a mutually exclusive partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Existing and future projects in this portfolio will be managed under the same principle of prioritizing smoke-free experiences.
“It is time for gaming to join the ranks of the best entertainment venues, restaurants and bars that went smoke-free years ago. The health of those who work and play in casinos should be just as important as in any other industry.,” Christopher said. “With only 13% of the US population smoking nowadays, it no longer makes sense that 100% of patrons should have to be exposed to harmful chemicals.”
“As BC Ventures takes the pledge in 2023, I am happy to share that we are almost fully booked with smoke-free casino visits for the year, as we continue to attract younger demographics with our premium experiences. Millennials and Gen Z grew up in a smoke-free world — and they demand it,” the influencer concluded.
The news comes on the same week as New Jersey casino workers urged Governor Phil Murphy to call on legislative leaders to pass a bill that would get rid of smoking in Atlantic City gaming properties.
In a letter from the co-founders and co-leaders of CEASE, workers urged Murphy to push lawmakers to pass bipartisan legislation to close the casino smoking loophole by April 15. The date marks 17 years since the legislature passed the Clean Indoor Air Act, which specifically excluded casinos.
