States taking a gamble introducing a smoking ban in casinos?
13th February, 2009
Many are coming to the conclusion that given the economic climate, state committees are taking a massive gamble banning smoking in casinos.
Recently two smoking bans were introduced in the Missouri Legislature, neither of which exempts casinos. Reports from America also suggest that several other states are contemplating passing a no-smoking bill.
Are these states taking a massive gamble not exempting casinos from the smoking bill?
Compare the relative fortunes of those casinos in Iowa (exempt) and those in Illinois (not exempt). In Iowa, profits went up by 4.9% last year. However, in Illinois, the smoking ban cost the state’s casinos $415 million in 2008, and the state $177 million in taxes.
Many are concluding that states are taking a massive gamble introducing smoking laws that don’t exempt casinos. In the case of Illinois and Colorado, the decision to not exempt casinos has seriously backfired.
By Annabel
