AP Wire

NOLA smoking ban could hurt Louisiana Treasury

by The Associated Press

State lawmakers have delayed approval of a $3.6 million casino support services for New Orleans amid concerns the city's new smoking ban will hit the state treasury.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — State lawmakers have delayed approval of a $3.6 million casino support services for New Orleans amid concerns the city's new smoking ban will hit the state treasury.

The prohibition against smoking in bars and gambling halls takes effect in late April.

The gambling industry, which sought to stop the ban, says it will hurt business. Louisiana collects fees from the Harrah's casino, a horse racing track and video-poker halls in New Orleans. If revenue at the gambling locations falls, the state also will collect less.

The Louisiana State Police estimates the state could lose $17 million over two years in gambling revenue because of the smoking ban.

Members of the Legislature's joint budget committee Friday questioned the data and asked a legislative economist for further study of the possible losses.