Bet Cash, Not Lives

Shreveport bans smoking from casinos and bars

Casinos have long been a refuge for people who like to gamble their money on slot machines, cards and dice. And also one of the last resorts for those who gamble with their lives.

We are talking about smokers. Gambling joints have been loath to ban smoking from their casino floors. They want the money coming in from one and all, and forcing smokers to step outside to light up means taking them away from the slots and tables. That’s lost revenue.

The casinos know that most nonsmokers would welcome an environment with cleaner air. But they also know that most of those determined to put their money on the line won’t stop just because of the smokers.

Well, just about an hour down Interstate 49 from the Twin Cities that’s about to change.

Last week, the Shreveport City Council voted to ban smoking and vaping from the city’s two riverboat casinos.

The ban applies to bars as well and it goes into effect in 60 days.

While there will almost certainly be grumbling from the smokers, we believe most customers and employees will welcome the move.

No word yet from across the Red River if Bossier City will follow suit and send the smokers outside at their casinos and bars. So there is still a choice for a while.

But the end game is clear. The days of indoor smoking in public spaces are rapidly coming to a close.

We wonder: How long will it be before we see smoking banned completely from the bars and restaurants in the two Texarkanas?