Arizona tribes install smoke clearing systems

Friday, June 13, 2008

Smoking is legal at Arizona's 22 tribal casinos but that doesn't mean customers have to put up with hazy rooms.

Several tribes have installed state-of-the-art smoke clearing systems at their facilities. "It's a business decision casinos are making," Sheila Morago, the executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, told The Arizona Republic.

The Gila River Indian Community is spending $500,000 on a system at its new casino and has one at an existing facility. The Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community have similar systems.

Arizona bans smoking in public places but the law doesn't apply in Indian Country. Some tribes have created smoke-free areas at their casinos.

Get the Story:
Goodbye, smoky casino rooms? (The Arizona Republic 6/13)