Spring Breakers have a new incentive to go to Breckenridge next year. Pot is legal! What? In America? Yes. 
About 71 percent of the people of Breckenridge voted Tuesday to decriminalize possession of marijuana and its paraphernalia. Beginning January 1, people 21 and older will be able to possess one ounce or less of weed.
Possession is still illegal under state law but within the city limits, toking up is fine. Unless pandemonium ensues, this may be the domino that knocks down the possession laws in the state of Colorado and other states.
Money Wins Votes
Indiana's fears have been realized as the state is going to lose some customers to Ohio in the near future. Ohio voters allowed state issue 3, which will greenlight casino construction in Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati.
The first step is the creation of a state gaming board. Penn National Gaming Inc., a Pennsylvania-based horse-racing track and casino operator, spent about $16.4 million promoting the ballot measure. Dan Gilbert, who owns the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributed $31 million to win support of the measure as well.
Opposition was partially financed by a West Virginia-based casino operator, MTR Gaming Group Inc., because they feared they would lose business. MTR and Jacobs Entertainment only contributed $5.8 million.
Smoking Loses in St. Louis. Kind of.
About two-thirds of St. Louis County voters voted to ban smoking in most public places on Tuesday. The ban doesn't go into effect until January 2, 2011.
As with any smoking ban, there are fears that it will affect business. Bowling alley owners are worried that people who can't smoke and bowl won't bowl. They're also upset that casinos and bars that don't sell much food are exempt from the ban. Smoking lounges at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport are also exempt.
The town of Kirkwood, which is within county limits, voted to ban smoking in all bar-restaurants. The voting turnout was only about 20 percent of the population.
