In a state where there is a strict ban on smoking in enclosed public places, one casino operator is looking to emulate the set up of its harness racing facilities in an effort to accommodate smokers.
According to an article in The Toledo Blade, Penn National Gaming is in discussions with the Ohio Casino Control Commission regarding plans to convert existing, partially open smoking decks at its Hollywood Casino Toledo and Columbus into gaming space and create a new outdoor gaming and smoking area at its Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati.
“We will be opening our two [video lottery terminal] facilities at Dayton on Aug. 28 and Mahoning Valley on Sept. 17. They will open with VLTs installed on the smoking decks," Penn National spokesman Bob Tenenbaum was quoted as saying in the article.
Ohio Casino Control Commission's executive director, Matt Schuler, stated that "The current law and rules we have are adequate to be able to properly address [adding gaming space]" and the commission's concerns include the security, surveillance, and machine integrity of the new space.
(With files from The Toledo Blade)