South Dakota: Approves smoking ban in casinos by 65%

The Massachusetts media focused on the "smoking ban" matter to the exclusion of substantive issues when the legislature was rubber-stamping flawed legislation that somehow pleased leadership [translation: the Casino Vultures].

After all, we wouldn't want to impinge on their earnings at the expense of anyone's health, would we?

An unnamed Republican Senator who fancies himself a comedian and submitted comical amendments to display his talents protested the "Nanny State."

65% of South Dakota voters, hardly subject to comparable derogatory labels, seemed to think a smoking ban made sense.

Are you listening Beacon Hill?



SD Governor-elect see positive side to voters approval of smoking ban

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KTIV) -- There were big races and big issues on the ballot Tuesday.

One of the biggest, a smoking ban in South Dakota.

Voters said yes to banning smoking in bars, restaurants, and some casinos.

Before the vote, South Dakota had a ban on smoking in public buildings and work places.

However, the voters decided to expand that ban to all restaurants, bars, video lottery establishments and Deadwood casinos with a 65 percent to 35 percent vote.

The only place smoking is allowed is in casinos on Indian reservations.

The state's new Governor says they hope businesses aren't severely impacted.

"Well, certainly there's a question about how it might impact video lottery revenue in other states there has been a bit of a dip," said Governor-Elect Dennis Dugaard. "But, generally that has come back. And so I'm hopeful that to the extent that it does occur it will come back before the next fiscal year begins."

Dugaard says he thinks the state may actually see a side benefit from the ban in lower pay outs for Medicaid associated with health issues tied to second hand smoke.