Will new CR casino allow smoking?

If I recall correctly, Cedar Rapids Casino backers once favored a facility that would not permit smoking. Presently, all Iowa casinos (except one Native American casino) allow smoking. If the proponents of the Cedar Rapids casino want to distinguish it as having a healthier environment, then why not advertise it as unique?

We all know or should know what risks occur with smoking or exposure to smoking. Currently, Iowa has one of the highest rates of cancer in the US. Given all the millions of dollars spent at the Iowa casinos, there are thousands of casino employees and certainly a significant number of non-smoking gamblers exposed to smoke. Does this increase the number of cancers in Iowa?

Our lawmakers voted for no smoking in Iowa restaurants but have allowed it in the casinos. I can only assume those lawmakers who voted "yes" to allow smoking think the casino banks are more deserving than the health of their constituents.

Now a commission is to decide if Cedar Rapids can have a casino. Hopefully, the commission that determines the fate of the casino considers a healthier place for Iowans to enjoy.

Thomas Schroeder, MD

Cedar Rapids