Another Push For Casino Smoking Ban Resurrected By Lawmaker

State Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Jay Costa want to change the law to ban casino smoking. The 2008 law bans smoking in restaurants and other public spaces, but it allows casinos to allow smoking on up to 50% of the gaming floor. Parx Casino, the state's largest, requires smokers to go outside to light up. Mount Airy Casino Resort has also initiated its own ban. The state revenue figures suggest that the ban does not harm the casinos. It is a health issue for non-smokers. They prefer to be in venues where they don't have to deal with cigarettes nearby.

Rivers and Hollywood casinos are having licensing hearings. Rivers is expected to open a new hotel in July or August. The newest project at the Meadows is a $6.8 million investment in remaking its sportsbook area. Board members are interested in minority participation in their workforce and management. The board votes at a subsequent public meeting in Harrisburg on renewal of the licenses. It is not clear if the hearings will be successful. iReport.com will let you know if they are successful or not.