Smoke-free casino opens in Fernley

FERNLEY -- A new casino has opened as what its owners call Nevada's first smoke-free resort from the start.

Fernley Nugget owners said their decision to build the smoke-free property was spurred by comments from nonsmoking gamblers at other casinos owned by the same company across Northern Nevada.

"Just by providing a smoke-free environment, I think it will make it inviting to those people who do not smoke cigarettes," said Scott Tate, Nugget general manager.

Tate said smokers haven't complained much so far, but it remains to be seen how the smoking ban will affect business at the casino 30 miles east of Reno.

"It's a very risky move," he said.

The same company also owns the Fallon Nugget, the Fallon Bonanza Inn, the Silver Springs Nugget, and the Comstock and Cactus Jack's Senator Club in Carson City.

In 2006, Nevada voters approved a ballot measure banning smoking at restaurants, bars that serve food and around slot machines at supermarkets, gas stations and convenience stores. The ban does not apply to the gambling floors of casinos.

Shortly after voter approval of the measure, Bill's Lake Tahoe Casino in Stateline became the first casino to go totally smokeless and one of the first casinos to voluntarily impose such a ban in the nation.

Bill's is dwarfed by its larger sister resorts on Lake Tahoe's south shore. All three are owned by Harrah's Entertainment.