So, Atlantic City was all prepared to become the largest casino market in the country to ban smoking in gaming areas. Plans called for a full ban to go into effect next week, relegating smokers to lounges which would have no games in them.

The City Council, however, has reversed course. They voted 5-4 the other day to delay the smoking ban because they worry how the change will effect the economy.

Way to go, America!

I don’t like smoking – in fact, I despise it with all my heart – but I love gambling. And when lawmakers realize the importance of gambling to our economy, I feel all warm inside.

You see, gambling isn’t just the activity of soulless degenerates who will sell their children just to get a fix. Most gamblers simply like the games for entertainment value. Winning is awesome. Losing is just the cost of doing business.

Gamblers also like to eat, shop, pay for hotel rooms, and go to see concerts and shows. And if you can make them a little happier by letting them smoke while they play, maybe they will spend more money.

I have rarely been bothered by smoke while gambling. In fact, I can’t really think of removing one “vice” while advocating another. So I hope the AC smoking ban is on the shelf for more than the one-year the council wants to push it back at this point.

And, really, people are already willing coming to Atlantic City, for God’s sake. Don’t give them a reason to realize the error of their ways.