"Actually quite surprising given its only, what, 7 or 8 years old, when there are places like Harrahs with 40 year old decor"

You mispelled 'odor' in typing "decor"!

Aside from frequent cleaning (with the ride-on carpet cleaners) and high volume air exchangers, another tool used by some casinos to combat the lingering smell of 'stale ashtrays' is to replace the carpets.

Jim