House approves smoking in casinos

SPRINGFIELD — Casinos looking to stop their declining revenue streams got some help Tuesday after the House approved a measure that would allow smoking on their gambling floors.

Since the implementation of the indoor smoking ban in 2008, Illinois casinos have seen their revenues drop significantly, a trend industry officials chalk up to both the recession and the smoking ban.

Rep. Dennis Reboletti, an Elmhurst Republican, said gamblers in his area have bypassed local casinos such as the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin to go to Indiana, where smoking is still allowed in casinos. Iowa and Missouri also allow smoking.

“They are voting with their money and they are going elsewhere,” he said.

The measure passed the House 62-52. It now moves to the Senate, where Senate President John Cullerton has been a key proponent of the indoor smoking ban.

Casinos would still have nonsmoking sections and Illinois casinos would have to go smoke-free if neighboring states ban smoking in casinos, under the approved plan.

Rep. Daniel Burke, a Chicago Democrat and sponsor of the legislation, said it is irresponsible for the state to ignore a possibly higher take in gambling taxes when it is in a financial crisis.

“Whatever happened to the old story of letting the market do its job?” Burke said. “If we’re serious about our budget crisis in Illinois, let’s get real.”

The state receives 50 cents on the dollar from casino revenues.

Opponents of the exemption say the financial gain does not outweigh the health risks casino employees would face.

Anti-smoking advocates are planning a news conference in Springfield today to oppose the plan.