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Revenues in Nevada’s brick and mortar casinos have been falling for quite some time, even before the economic recession.  Many people trace it back to the passing of the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act, a law that banned smokers from lighting up inside of public buildings where there is food being served or where minors are present.

After a vote of 16 to 5 in the Nevada Senate, the restrictions on the Clean Indoor Air Act will be reduced.  Many states have cracked down on smoking in public places.  But not all states have such an intricate tie to the gambling industry is Nevada, home of Las Vegas.  Right now slot machines are not making as much money as they should be.  This back pedal on the smoking ban makes Nevada the first state to ease restrictions on a smoking ban.

The rules put in place by the new bill would allow smoking in public venues that serve food, so long as minors are not allowed on the premises.  This bill seems specifically targeted at helping taverns and keeping those slot machines spinning.  The bill will now go on for approval from the Assembly.

Casinos in Nevada were exempt from Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act, but bars and taverns were not so lucky.  Many taverns rely on revenue from their video poker slot machines.  Ever since the smoking ban, many smokers have abandoned the bars for the casino.  Geno Hill, President of the Nevada Tavern Owners Association, said that gaming revenues for his members have fallen 20 to 30 percent because of the ban and that is before the economic recession. 

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