Flights between Atlantic City and Las Vegas are to begin on May 3. A new nonstop flight will connect the nation’s two main gambling hotspots, Spirit Airlines announced Thursday.The added flight is significant for Atlantic City International Airport, which is served by only two commercial carriers: Spirit and Delta Air Lines.

Joe Kelly, president of the Atlantic City Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the service to Las Vegas will be useful for casino executives. Several companies own properties in both cities and need their workers to travel between them frequently. The additional service also makes it easier for travelers all over the West to reach Atlantic City as the resort tries to expand its convention business. Associated Press

The City Council in Atlantic City originally planned to vote on a bill that would have enacted a complete ban on smoking in gambling casinos. The plan was strongly opposed by casino operators, which predicted 3400 jobs and close to 20% of casino revenue could be lost in the process. It looks as if a partial ban on smoking is more realistic.

That’s exactly what’s going to happen. According to a new draft smoking would be banned on 75% of each casino’s total gaming area (based on sq. footage). The last 25% would be sealed off and equipped with high-tech ventilation systems to pull smoke out of the air and move it out of the building.

Councilman Dennis Mason said:”I believe it’s a win-win situation for everyone including people who wanted smoking banned and the casino operators of Atlantic City.” I think he is right considering that the better-known destinations such as Las Vegas, Biloxi, and many American Indian casinos allow smoking.