[The following is a paid advertisement.]

A survey of Illinois’ casino gamblers by the Center for Policy Analysis (CFPA) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth finds that a large majority of this state’s casino gamblers either prefer casinos where smoking is prohibited on the gaming floor or it does not matter to them.

According to the random sample poll, conducted from April 27 to May 9, 2011, 45% of respondents who had visited a casino in the last twelve months say they are more likely to visit a casino where smoking is prohibited on the gaming floor. 31% say it doesn’t matter. Only 24% say they are less likely to visit a casino where smoking is prohibited.

Like the rest of us, gamblers are cutting back mainly for economic reasons: 40% cite the increased cost of gasoline and 35% cite the increased cost of living, while others blame loss of income (16%), falling behind on bills (15%), job loss (12%), and declining home values(11%).

Will allowing smoking in casinos increase state revenues? Not really! In fact, bringing back smoking could set Illinois’ casinos further behind: 36% of casino gamblers who smoke report that they too either prefer a smoking prohibition on the gaming floor or say it doesn’t matter. Think smoking and gambling go together? Actually, smokers do not constitute a disproportionate percentage of casino gamblers in comparison to the state’s general adult population.

Want a real, politically viable revenue option? Raise the cigarette tax!

For more information please visit www.smokefreeillinois.com.