Smoking Ban Exemptions Give Advantage to Casinos

It was one of the most contentious issues in the (Wisconsin) state Legislature's debate about a statewide smoking ban. And it remains one of the biggest questions about the ban, which will take effect July 5, 2010.

The state's 16 Native American casinos are exempt from the ban and can continue to allow smoking. That doesn't sit well with some bar owners — and the legislators who represent them — because it gives the casinos a competitive advantage.

And it encompasses much of the state — from the large Potowatomi casino in Milwaukee and the Oneida casino in Green Bay to the smaller casinos in the north woods.

Rep. Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, has talked about leveling the playing field and may introduce a bill that would ban smoking in casinos, too.

For the complete story, please see Larry Gallup, Burning Questions: The casino exemption, PostCrescent.com, July 5, 2009.