SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers voted against plans to exempt Illinois casinos from a proposed statewide smoking ban Thursday, but supporters of the exemption say it's not dead.

State Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville, said despite the measure's 26-31 defeat in the Senate, he intends to make a second push to allow casino patrons to light up.

The smoking ban has passed both the House and the Senate and awaits the signature of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Proponents of the exemption argue the majority of casino patrons generally are smokers, and the ban would send them over the state line to smoker-friendly casinos in Iowa and Indiana. Clayborne said this could cost casinos as much as 20 percent of their revenue if the ban is implemented.

Clayborne has contended that such a loss of revenue would be a debilitating blow for cities such as East St. Louis that depend on casino dollars to fund their operating budgets.

Proponents of the smoking ban, including the American Lung Association of Illinois, have argued that there should be no exceptions and health concerns should supersede any other interests.

Opponents, meanwhile, argue that the government has no place dictating to private businesses, including casinos.

"We ought to allow private property owners to make the decision on what legal activities should take place on their property," said State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington.

Blackwell Thomas can be reached at blackwell.thomas@lee.net or at 789-0865.