Smoking ban lifted at struggling casinos

A controversial smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos has been lifted by the city council after the local economy was hit by a steep fall in profits.

After a month of fresh air, smoking has been allowed once again inside the city's 11 casinos.

The City Council passed a total smoking ban in April but the financial meltdown led to a steep decline in takings at the casinos.

The council has now changed its mind and agreed to repeal the smoking ban for at least a year.

Under the ban, the casinos could set up ventilated smoking lounges where gamblers could light up away from the slot machines and gambling tables.

Trump Entertainment Resorts CEO Mark Juliano says at least now there's an even playing field with out-of-state gambling venues, most of which allow smoking.