by KYW's John Ostapkovich

Billboards have gone along the highway heading toward Atlantic City, NJ, advertising the smoking ban that will extend to casino floors beginning October 15th. Any smoking will have to be done in unstaffed lounges.  
 
And the change may actually be good for business, despite dire predictions from casino operators.

Atlantic City is about more than just gambling says Jeffrey Vasser, president of the Convention and Visitor Authority there.  As gaming revenues have fallen, business at restaurants and entertainment is up:

"I'll tell you, our convention booking numbers are up for the future years, compared to last year.  We're up about eight percent (in) future bookings.  I think Atlantic City is still growing, and I think the more diverse activities and amenities we offer seems to be the trick to doing better."

And Vasser says a visitor survey found that the non-smoking issue was third in importance behind safety/security and customer service:

"It's offering a diverse product for people. So we have something for everybody here, and especially now with the non-smoking environment and the smoking lounges for smokers."

Which many of the casinos are building, while others will be entirely smoke-free.

(File photo)