A new widespread smoking ban in Louisville, Kentucky, is set to take effect this week. Local residents who enjoy lighting up during a bingo session will now be prohibited from doing so unless they are taking part in bingo games being run on the property of non-profit organizations.

Bingo operators are very worried about losing their patrons, many of whom would probably stop coming to play, as they wouldn't be able to fully enjoy themselves without smoking. Less players equals less revenue. Such a drop in bingo revenues would likely lead to the closure of many bingo halls.

Many non-profit organizations rent bingo halls for their fundraisers, as there is no space to have them on their own property. They too would thus be affected by the smoking ban. Obviously, this would also make a serious dent in their efforts to raise money for charitable causes.

The Louisville smoking ban follows the recent enactment of similar bans in parts of Minnesota and many Canadian cities, including Edmonton, Alberta. These bans have resulted in the closure, or pending closure, of some bingo halls, as well as in the increased patronage of bingo halls where the bans are not in effect. Additionally, the bans have taken a large bite out of the average proceeds of charity bingo events in these areas.