Casino corporations have invested more money in their casinos and gaming facilities when they are smoke free! Why? Because 80% of gamblers are non smokers!
Read what non-smoking gaming facilities have done!
COLORADO
In July 2009, casinos were allowed to add craps and roulette, increase betting limits from $5 to $100 and increase their hours of operation to 24-7 due to passage of a voter initiative.
In Sept. 2009, The Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk, opened its 33-story, $235 million hotel and spa. The expansion project features a 563-room hotel with a rooftop pool, a meeting center, event center and spa. Reggie Fullwood, the casino's general manager said, ""We're hoping to grow the market. As people become aware of the amenity, we believe that people will decide that this is a destination that they would like to come and visit."
The Colorado Grande Casino in Cripple Creek has expanded its facility by 20% or 1,300 square feet at a cost of $370,000.
DELAWARE
Delaware now offers sports betting at its three racetracks under a new law that will also allow race tracks to offer table games such as blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette.
FLORIDA
Flagler Dog Track opens its $54 million Magic City Casino in Oct. 2009. It will be Miami-Dade County's first racino--parimutuel facility that also offers slots.
Calder Race Course, another Miami-Dade racino is under construction and scheduled to open in late Jan. 2010. The 104,000 square foot slots casino will cost $85 million.
ILLINOIS
Work to build a new casino in suburban Chicago is expected to start as early as March 2010. Midwest Gaming and Entertainment won the state's 10th casino license. The group is building the casino near O'Hare International Airport. When it won the bid, Midwest Gaming offered a $125 million upfront fee and an additional $300 million to be paid at about $10 million per year over 30 years.
MARYLAND
Berlin, MD. Ocean Enterprise 589 at Ocean Downs won state approval Sept. 23, 2009 to offer slots at Ocean Downs Racetrack, making it the first organization in Maryland to win the endorsement of the Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission.
OHIO
In August 2009, the Ohio Lottery Commission approved the addition of slot machines to the state's seven race tracks. The Commission requires each track to spend $80 million on improvements, including $20 million during the first year. Each track will also be required to pay a $100,000 application fee and a $13 million installment toward its $65 million licensing fee. The slots should be in operation by May 2010.
In Nov. 2009 Ohio voters passed Issue 3 allowing for casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
The Ohio Smoke-Free Workplace Act does not exempt gaming establishments.
WEST VIRGINIA
Tri-State Casino and Resort in Nitro W. Virgina is the only one of three racetracks in the state with table games.
Expansion is still underway! The pool has been enlarged, outdoor barbecue and party areas have been added outside some of the meeting rooms and a new hotel is scheduled to open July 2010.
PUERTO RICO (U.S. Commonwealth)
