Redding Rancheria recognized for 100% smokefree policy at Win-River Resort and Casino

SAN DIEGO, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights presented Redding Rancheria Tribal leadership and Win-River Resort and Casino management with Smokefree Business Awards for their newly remodeled 100% smokefree indoor air facility.  The awards were presented during the annual National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) expo held at the San Diego Convention Center this week.

The casino celebrated its grand re-opening on March 14, 2014. Since then, it has experienced great business and positive feedback from employees, players, and the community.

"It's the best decision we ever made," said Gary Hayward, General Manager of the Win-River Resort and Casino in Redding, CA.  "Not only was going smokefree the best for health but it has also been good for business.  We've had more new profiles added to our players club, and community groups like the Soroptimist Club are bringing their meetings and business to us now that we are smokefree."

"One hundred percent of tribal membership was in support of adopting the smokefree policy," said Jack Potter, Jr., Vice Chairman of the Redding Rancheria Tribal Council.

"Implementing policies that eliminate commercial tobacco use in tribally-controlled spaces is an effective way of reducing the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure," said Cynthia Hallett, Executive Director of Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights.  "Tribal governments have a unique opportunity to protect those individuals residing, working, or visiting sovereign tribal lands.  Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air."

Many casinos have successfully transitioned from smoke-filled to smokefree spaces, and there are many important lessons to be shared.  Smokefree tribal casinos ensure that gaming jobs are in an environment that is healthy and free from secondhand commercial tobacco smoke, and beneficial to all tribal employees, patrons, and customers.

There are now more than 500 smokefree commercial and tribal gambling facilities across the U.S.  Twenty states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands include non-tribal casinos in smokefree workplace laws.

Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, established in 1976, is a national, member-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping nonsmokers breathe smokefree air in workplaces and public places.

To learn more:  SmokefreeCasinos.org/win-river-resort-casino-goes-smokefree/

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140514/87384

SOURCE Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights