Casino Plan Sparks Anti-Smoking Outrage

14th January

Plans for an open air gambling area at Sydney's Star City Casino have sparked outcry from anti-smoking groups who want the state government to ban concurrent smoking and gambling.

In response to smoking restrictions introduced last July, the casino lodged a development application with the City of Sydney to convert one of its restaurants into an "open space" gambling lounge.

The plan is believed to involve shifting 130 of the casino's 1,500 gaming machines to an area where smoking is permitted.

"Unfortunately, we don't have a law like Queensland which specifically bans poker machines in smoking areas," Action on Smoking and Health chief Anne Jones told AAP.

"We have been raising our concerns with the Iemma government for several months now because what has become apparent is that there is a number of pubs and clubs which are moving their poker machines into their outdoor smoking areas.

"If the government doesn't stop this trend we will just see all or most of NSW's poker machines moved into smoking areas."

The office of Premier Morris Iemma said it was a matter for Gaming and Racing Minister Graham West, and while Mr West was not available to comment, his office made his stance clear.

"Outdoor gaming in NSW is not illegal and the government has no intention of changing that," a spokesman for Mr West said.

Casino spokesman Peter Grimshaw said the development application was driven purely by commercial demand, "The aim of the exercise is to create an outdoor area where customers can play."