Repeal of smoking exemption could be next issue for casinos

Publication Date: 2010-11-08

• Author:Dar Danielson
• Publication:RadioIowa

Gambling referendums passed last week in all 17 of the communities that are currently home to casinos, allowing them to continue operating. The next big issue facing the gambling establishments could the smoking exemption, as both candidates for governor said they would sign a ban into law if it passed the legislature. Iowa Gaming Association president, Wes Ehrecke, says they don't want to see a smoking ban for casinos passed.

Ehrecke says they hope it doesn't pass and they want to "educate" Governor-elect Branstad and newly elected leaders on the "fact that it would be a competitive disadvantage with the tribal nation casinos that have a sovereign nation status." Ehrecke says banning smoking would have a negative impact on casino revenues...

The Iowa Smoke-free Air Act became law in 2008 and banned smoking in most public places, but had an exemption that allows smoking to continue on the gambling floors at the state's casinos.