So - right now it looks like the "casino exemption" to the Colorado Smoking Ban will be cancelled effective July 1. My opinion is - this will be a DISASTER.

We're looking at a 30% reduction in revenue. That's what has happened in other states - no reason to think it won't happen here.

That means - 30% staff reduction in the casino industry in Colorado. That's layoffs and unemployment.

30% reduction in tax revenues. Let's do the math. 10 million contributed a month. 120 million a year. Now it will be 84 million. So - the State loses 36 million. I repeat, 36 million dollars a year. That's cold, hard cash.

Finally, there's plenty of casinos barely staying open as it is. Cut revenue by 30% and they are GONE. There's two in Central City that won't make it, and three I suspect will close in Black Hawk. That's more lost jobs.

Why are we doing this?

Update - Total smoking ban in casinos effective January 1, 2008.

It's a DONE DEAL. Until the politicians realize what they've done to tax revenues and jobs. Then they'll be blaming each other and scrambling to fix it. Idiots.

Steve