CHESTER, W.Va. — Smokers will still be able to light up a cigarette and be dealt into a game even after the Hancock County Board of Health’s indoor air ordinance takes effect July 1. Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort gave reporters a look at the construction of the new outdoor smoking pavilion.
“We worked with the Board of Health to make sure we were compliant with the clean air act,” said Chris Kern, General Manager. “While it looks kind of like a disaster zone today, I can guarantee you next Wednesday we are going to be open out there and gambling.”
The smoking pavilion features just under 10,000 square feet with 200 slot machines and six table games. The open air parlor is fitted for year-round use. Radiant heat will be available throughout the location when winter arrives. Ceiling fans will help move the breeze during the summer months. When storms and wind beat down, wind shears can be closed off to cut off the wind.
It’s a gaming spot designed to attract smoking patrons, and Kern thinks there will be a lot of them especially from Ohio.
“Our customers want that and travel here from Ohio because Ohio doesn’t allow smoking anywhere in their state,” Kern said.”Any of the casinos in Ohio have outdoor smoking areas, but they have 18, 20, or maybe 30 games at most. We’re going to have 210. There’s really going to be no comparison.”
Resort owners worked to fight the new ordinance unsuccessfully. There was even a push in the legislature to allow the casino an exemption. It too was unsuccessful.