A group of Atlantic City casino workers has asked a judge to ban smoking in the gambling halls. They cite the toxic effects of working in a “poisonous” atmosphere. 

The state says ending smoking could jeopardize a half-billion-dollar pot of tax money for senior citizens and the disabled. The Superior Court judge did not issue a ruling yesterday but said he aims to do so “as quickly as possible.”

The United Auto Workers -- representing dealers at the Bally’s, Caesars and Tropicana casinos -- is suing to overturn New Jersey’s indoor smoking law, which bans it in virtually every workplace except casinos. But, the Unite Here union is afraid a third of its 10,000 members could lose their jobs if smoking is banned.

(Photo credit: Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images)