Illinois casinos will soon be throwing out their no smoking signs in favor of the almighty dollar. According to an article published in the Chicago Sun-Times, state lawmakers voted 62-52 in the House to pass a bill to lift the smoking ban that has been in effect since 2008. Millions of dollars in lost revenue are being blamed on smoking bans that have driven customers out of casinos. The ban, which influences virtually all indoor public establishments across the state is still in effect--but casinos may soon find their way out.
“ 'Ladies and gentleman, if we’re serious about our budget crisis in Illinois, let’s be real. This is not about the smoking issue. This is about the money,' said Rep. Dan Burke (D-Chicago), the bill’s House sponsor." said the Times article.
At least he's honest. In fact, when you consider the amount of money that is being lost supposedly at the hand of the smoking ban, it may be difficult to consider any other option. Estimated at around $800 million a year, Illinois casinos have seen a 23 percent decline in revenue since 2008 and data released in 2010,revealed that casino revenues for those establishments based in and around Chicago have dropped 33% since the smoking ban went into effect. Fueled by data showing that neighboring states are reporting only a .4% drop in income brings lawmakers to a serious debate.
On one side, the opposition stands against the health risks that could be presented for casino employees. Claiming that increased health care costs and medical treatment for smoking-related illness for these employees will eventually offset any increase in revenue.
“ 'It’s a slippery slope,' said Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood), who was the chief House sponsor of the 2008 anti-smoking law." In regards to casino employees she said 'Why are their lives any less important than people who work anywhere else?I didn’t hear any debate about what kind of increased costs in terms of hospitals and health care costs as a result of going back to what we did before. I hear the argument on one side about this about the money, but we’ll spend more if we allow this practice,' " she said.
No matter what the pros and cons are on the issue, it still boils down to money and how to get more of it. Will other states follow suit? In a time when many governments are in the red, lawmakers may begin to look more closely at similar steps to push them back to the positive--but is it really worth it?
© 2007 - 2012 The Safe Cig. All Rights Reserved. | 