Its a very good question.

Its one that Shreveport council members Levette Fuller and John Nickelson should answer.

If the Shreveport ordinance banning smoking in the two Shreveport casinos goes into effect on Aug. 1, how many casino jobs will be lost and how much revenue will Shreveport lose?

The Shreveport ban only applies to Sam's Town and El Dorado casinos. It does NOT affect Boomtown, Horseshoe and Margaritaville casinos. Nor does it apply to Harrah's Louisiana Downs race casino.

Most people agree that the overwhelming majority of those who go to the boats/Louisiana Downs  to gamble/game, smoke and drink alcohol. 

And they concur that a no smoking ban will send large numbers of patrons across the Red River to the four venues that will still allow smoking.

How about another question, and a good one at that.

How many employees at Sam's Town and Eldorado casinos KNEW at the time they asked to be employed that smoking was allowed at those facilities?

Its sorta like asking a construction worker if they would be ok working outside in the heat and the cold. Or a car mechanic if he would be ok getting grease on his hands or being exposed to vehicle smoke close hand?

Make no mistake about it. The Bossier casinos will advertise heavily to gaming patrons that smoking is still allowed in their venues come August first.

Its not rocket science to acknowledge with less patrons there will be less gambling/gaming and thus less tax revenues.

Lobbying efforts by those who seek to maintain the casino smoking ban should not be directed to employers of council members nor should they resort to any other devious tactics.

Casino employees who may lose their jobs once the smoking ban becomes effective may want to contact their council members.