|
|
|
 |
Iowa Faces Decision on Casino Smoking
DES MOINES, IOWA --
When Iowa's legislature is called to order next week, prominent on the agenda will be the controversial issue of smoking at casinos and on gambling floors. At the same time, lawmakers will look at expanding the state's gambling base to help fund the state budget.
Representatives should realize that the two issues are at cross-purposes. Banning smoking at casinos will cost the state significant revenue, both from local patrons who will stay home and play at online casinos rather than give up cigarettes, and from out-of-state visitors who travel from such states as Illinois precisely to avoid smoking bans.
When Iowa placed a no-smoking law on the state's bars and restaurants, legislators left an exemption for casinos. Excuses were made at the time that the bill might not pass if the gambling lobby were against it. But the truth is, lawmakers had no problem interfering in how restaurateurs ran their businesses, and only drew the line at casinos because of the impact gambling has on state income.
To seek to expand gambling in order to build new revenues may be preferable to raising taxes, but the monies gained would be offset by losses incurred by forcing casino operators to exclude smokers from their business plans.
If Iowa wants to increase tax revenue while establishing a reputation as a state where freedom and liberty are cherished, the legislature will expand gambling laws while rolling back the smoking ban to allow bar and restaurant owners the opportunity to select how best to please their clientele.
Previous USA Casino News Articles
Post A Comment
|
 |
|
|
|
