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Patrick's Plan Calls For Smoke-Free Casinos

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Oct 13, 2007 12:30 pm US/Eastern

Patrick's Plan Calls For Smoke-Free Casinos

BOSTON (WBZ) ―

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Smokers have long been free to puff away at many of the nation's casinos, even those in states with indoor smoking bans. But Governor Deval Patrick says no one will be allowed to smoke in the three resort casinos he's proposed for Massachusetts.

Patrick's bill specifically states that the gambling resorts would have to agree to abide by the state's workplace smoking ban, which went into effect in 2004.

Casinos run by Indian tribes aren't obligated to follow state smoking bans because the tribes are sovereign nations.

Patrick said a smoking ban would not put the state at a competitive disadvantage.

At Foxwoods in neighboring Connecticut, the nonsmoking area covers just 11 percent of its 7,200 slot machines.

Patrick filed his proposal this week, which needs legislative approval. He estimates that three resort-style casinos would generate $450 million in annual tax revenue and 20,000 jobs.

The legislation carves out three geographic areas that would each get one license, and preference would be given to any entity that partners with a Massachusetts Indian tribe. The bill also requires local approval by a host community.

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