16-Feb-06. Points can’t be used to buy smokes, court rules. Globe and Mail, A8.

The Federal Court of Appeal has ruled that casino patrons can not accumulate loyalty program points and redeem them for cigarettes. Players Advantage Club members at Casino Niagara and Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort had previously been able to earn points when they play slots, video poker, or table games and redeem them for merchandise that included cigarettes. A lawyer for Health Canada said that the ruling is a positive step in the battle against smoking.