Connecticut Casino Smoking Bill Dies

Legislation to ban smoking in casinos is now off the table in Connecticut after the state Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee declined to act on the bill, the Norwich Bulletin reported May 12.

Gov. Jodi Rell recently inked deals with the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes, which run the state’s two large casinos, allowing for only a limited smoking ban that does not include most gaming floors.

Bill opponents worried about harming relations between the state government and the tribes.  “People were concerned about attacking the sovereignty of either Indian nation, so we’re grateful to both tribes and the governor for coming up with some alternative,” Sen. Eileen Daily (D-Westbrook) said.

Legislators also worried about the tribes threat to hold back the $400 million they provide the state in slots revenue.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a strong supporter of the bill, said he was disappointed, adding that the legislation was a “prudent compromise, balancing the health needs of employees and patrons with concerns about competitive economic realities. The bill is consistent with the [state’s gaming compacts], the slot-revenue agreement, and tribal sovereignty.”

Officials with the United Auto Workers said they will not stop fighting for a smoking ban to keep the casino employees represented by the union safe from secondhand-smoke exposure.

The tribes were pleased with the result. “Through action today, the lawmakers have demonstrated a respect for the government-to-government relationship that has existed between the Mohegan Tribe and the state of Connecticut for generations. We commit to honor that relationship and to continue to work on issues of mutual concern,” said Mohegan Tribal Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum.