legislation is a bigger reason for the current drop in poker players?? It has affected tournaments as well, which seemed to grow massively, even after many tournaments went non-smoking. I also believe the current recession that seems to have affected all gambling venues, non-smoking or not, cannot be discounted. I'm sure that is more than just a minor factor in poker rooms closing. I also believe that too many casinos in Las Vegas opened poker rooms to begin with. The increased competition for players hurt many of the poker rooms. When I went to the Borgata, or the Trump Taj Mahal in AC during the poker boom, most of which were non-smoking, I saw full tables and LONG waiting lists, and I'm sure this was true at the CT poker rooms during the poker boom. When I was last in Las Vegas, prior to the anti-internet gambling bill, I saw full rooms in many casinos, and had to wait a number of times for a seat. And, I played primarily in non-smoking rooms. I believe you, Gene, but my experiences have been much different than you say.

Michael Siskin