Missouri Gaming Commissioners

Missouri Gaming Commissioners,

Please find attached the proposed smoking ban for Cape Girardeau which goes on the ballot in April. It is very likely to pass since nationally smoking bans have only been defeated 4 times at the ballot box. This ordinance specifically includes casinos.

Please also find attached the Illinois House Bill 1846 which lifts the smoking ban on Illinois casinos. Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Burke of Chicago, it has a good chance of passing this session.

Commissioners, a smoke-free Cape Girardeau casino could end up competing with smoking-allowed Illinois and Missouri casinos. I don't believe the Missouri Department of Economic Development took this possibility into account when they compiled the report released today.

I wanted you to have full information as you consider whether or not to award a 13th casino license.

Sincerely,

Bill Hannegan