Editorial: Health before money at tribal casinos

Monday, January 26, 2009  

"Cigarette smoke and alcohol: Two thorny issues for the state and the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, owners and operators of the state’s two casinos — and this region’s largest employers.

The casinos are exempt from a state law banning smoking in restaurants and bars. However, workers at Foxwoods last year attempted to have lawmakers extend that prohibition to the casinos, arguing employees were being exposed to second-hand smoke. Casino officials oppose such a move, claiming it will adversely affect their businesses already struggling with the effects of the recession.

Both casinos have seen revenue drop off sharply. Slot revenue, the best measure to gauge casino activity, is down significantly for the first time since Foxwoods andMohegan Sun opened more than a decade ago."

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Our view: Put health before money (The Norwich Bulletin 1/25)