SPRINGFIELD — Illinois riverboat casinos may be in for a bigger payout next year. The House passed Tuesday a measure that would allow riverboats to opt-out of the statewide indoor smoking ban.
Public smoking was banned in Illinois about four years ago, and included places like restaurants, bars and the state’s 10 riverboats.
Belleville Rep. Thomas Holbrook says that ban has driven away $1 billion in revenues
Kathy Drea with the American Lung Association of Illinois cites a health concern for casino workers and non-smoking gamblers.
Lawmakers voted 62-52. The plan is headed to the Senate for a vote there.
