Top YouTube and Facebook “slot influencer” Brian Christopher has made it official: he will only operate in smoke-free casino areas going forward.
The social media star, who works with casinos and manufacturers to play and promote a variety of slot games by live-streaming his slot play to his popular YouTube and Facebook pages—viewed by millions daily—first indicated last fall that his plan was to operate only in smoke-free casino areas. Last week, he formally announced the new policy.
“It is time for gaming to join the ranks of the best entertainment venues, restaurants and bars that went smoke-free years ago,” Christopher said in a statement. “The health of those who work and play in casinos should be just as important as in any other industry. With only 13 percent of the U.S. population smoking nowadays, it no longer makes sense that 100 percent of patrons should have to be exposed to harmful chemicals.”
Christopher’s new stance was quickly lauded by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) Foundation, for which he has advocated in the past.
“We thank Brian Christopher for his unwavering support of casino workers and joining us in the fight for smoke-free casinos,” ANR President and CEO Cynthia Hallett told CDC Gaming Reports. “As we continue our campaign to make all casinos smoke-free indoors, Brian Christopher’s commitment to promote only smoke-free gaming spaces will help raise awareness of this serious issue and the conditions casino workers are forced to endure.”
The move also drew praise from the Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas, which offers a smoke-free dedicated area called BCSlots at the Plaza, stocked with dozens of Christopher’s favorite games.
“BCSlots at the Plaza has been very successful,” said Plaza Hotel & Casino Marketing Manager Lisa Melmed, according to CDC Gaming Reports. “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.”
