Panel discussion on Atlantic City casino smoking is scrapped
A panel discussion between an Atlantic City casino executive and proponents of a smoking ban in the city's casinos has been canceled after the casino boss pulled out
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Whether casinos should continue to allow smoking is a contentious issue in numerous states, particularly New Jersey, where the governor and more than half the state Legislature supports a bill to ban indoor smoking in gambling halls.
A now-cancelled discussion between a casino executive and smoking foes was shaping up to be a highlight of a major gambling conference later this month in Atlantic City, and would've been the first detailed public airing of the issue.
But the casino executive, Resorts Casino President Mark Giannantonio — who has since become head of the Atlantic City casinos’ trade association, which vehemently opposes a smoking ban — pulled out of the session.
It's the latest indication of how thorny this dispute has become, and how difficult it will be to find a resolution that will satisfy everyone.
