Updated: Mon Jun. 26 2006 11:29:20 PM

Canadian Press

WINDSOR, Ont. — Nearly a month into Ontario's smoking ban, Windsor bingo hall operators say many Michigan customers are staying home.

Business has dropped so much at some bingo parlours that owners are considering layoffs and at least one may close its doors, according to a report Monday in The Detroit News.

"We haven't laid anybody off yet, but we cut our work hours in half,'' said Candice Lagace, a bookkeeper at Paradise Bingo Hall.

"We're all struggling. It looks like layoffs are imminent.''

Bingo parlour operators predicted a drop in customers when Ontario enacted a ban on smoking in all public buildings on May 31.

No specific figures are available on just how many fewer Michigan customers are visiting the bingo halls, but owners contend it's a substantial number.

CBC Bingo Group has experienced a five-per-cent drop in overall business, but as much as 15 per cent at some facilities, said John Fairley, vice-president of marketing.

There have not been any layoffs yet, but Fairley said the company will evaluate the situation at the end of the month.

Windsor's bingo industry employs 400 workers at seven parlours and is worth an estimated $28 million a year.

Nearly half of Windsor's bingo customers are Americans.

Casino Windsor is also feeling the pinch.

"There are fewer people, but it's too early to assess how much of an impact,'' said Teresa Roncon, a spokeswoman for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. in Toronto.

About 80 per cent of Casino Windsor's customers hail from across the border, she said.

Holly Ward, a Casino Windsor spokeswoman, said no workers have been laid off, but the situation will be assessed in a few weeks.