NEWELL, W.Va. (AP) – A smoking pavilion at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort is proving to be a popular spot.
Hancock County instituted a smoking ban in enclosed public places in July. The smoking ban was opposed by casino officials who feared it would keep gamblers away.
Mountaineer officials estimated the ban would result in a decline of gaming revenue of up to 20 percent. But General Manager Chris Kern tells the Weirton Daily Times (http://bit.ly/1LiYX8E) the drop has been closer to 8 to 12 percent.
A big reason: the smoking pavilion, which reached the 100,000 mark for visitors earlier this month.
The $2 million pavilion is considered in compliance with the county smoking ban because its two exterior walls were moved five feet outside the roofline and do not touch the roof.
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