Casino Workers And Patrons At Risk Under New Kansas Smoking Law

Lawmakers in the state of Kansas were intent on cleaning the air in public places and making the workplace a safer environment for many employees. Casino workers and patrons, however, were exempted from receiving the same safety precautions that others will enjoy.

On Thursday, the Kansas House passed a smoking ban that will cover the entire state. Casino floors, however, will be exempt from the ban, ensuring that the state receives the maximum amount of gambling tax revenue.

"This is just another example of how casinos usually play by a different set of rules when it comes to smoking," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz, "the money generated from gambling interests is too great for politicians to do anything to risk the campaign contributions or tax revenue."

Bars and restaurant owners may soon begin a legal battle with the state and the new law. The bars and restaurants were not exempt from the smoking ban, leaving open the possibility that they will lose business to the casinos in the future.

Kansas has now become the fortieth state that has created some form of a smoking ban. In some states, lawmakers have even moved towards making it illegal to smoke outside in parks where children are present.

Those smokers that are left battling against the smoking bans are shrinking in numbers. As people have become more aware of the harmful effects of second-hand smoke, the amount of bans have increased in the US.

The renewed emphasis on health consciousness has brought enlightenment on the issue to a new level and legislators have responded to a public outcry for the bans.

February 25, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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