The majority of Macau casino workers support retaining designated smoking lounges on the gaming floor, according to the results of a new industry-funded study.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Macau, queried over 14,300 casino employees, representing around 13.4% of all casino staff. Of these participants, 73% work in the casinos’ gaming areas, where they are most likely to come into contact with customers’ smoking.

Study participants were asked which one of three options they preferred: the option of a full smoking ban, which the Macau government is currently mulling, earned a 40% score.

Allowing smoking in only the specially ventilated airport-style lounges that casinos have erected on their mass gaming floors was the most popular option at 47%. The status quo, in which smoking is permitted in both the main floor lounges and in VIP gaming areas, was the least-favored option, preferred by only 13% of participants.