Pennsylvania’s government went all-in on casino gambling nearly 20 years ago largely because so many state residents had been losing their money for years in Atlantic City. State government leaders wanted to transfer that take to Pennsylvania.
Now, with Pennsylvania generating more gambling tax revenue than any other state, state lawmakers once again should take a cue from New Jersey, secure in the knowledge that it will not upset the competitive landscape.
Like their Pennsylvania counterparts, New Jersey lawmakers rolled over for casinos over the past few decades while wisely imposing smoking bans on every other kind of indoor activity, and many outdoor activities. The rule now, generally, is smoke if you must but keep it to yourself. The smoking bans have had major positive impacts on public health, including reduction in cancer incidence and mortality.
