Green and smoke are usually two things you would not find to be synonymous with one another. The Green Building Alliance seems to think this as well, for they have apparently denied a green building certification to the planned Majestic Star Casino slots parlor in Pittsburgh. According to Majestic Star's owner, Don Barden, due to the fact that he is unwilling to make his casino smoke free, or at least provide designated smoking areas, Majestic Star will not be officially regarded as an environmentally friendly casino.

Well, Don, we hate to tell you that second-hand smoke is gross for non-smokers. And yes, it's unhealthy too - and bad for the environment. The Green Building Alliance should give themselves a pat on the back for holding their guns on this one. On the other hand, Don Barden deserves some credit for attempting to green up his casino in the first place. The planned North Shore casino, will have several environmental innovations, including energy recovery systems, sustainable site strategies, brownfield and urban redevelopment and mass transit optimization.

If only it weren't for the cigarettes. Barden says it would not be a prudent business decision to make his casino smoke-free because a large majority of Majestic Star's customers are smokers. Barden is also apparently weary of making isolated smoking areas within the casino. Unfortunately, some businesses do not see beyond the green - and yes, I'm talking about the other green - the green that so much seems to resolve around. God forbid someone will have to get up from the slot machine to go outside or to a smoking room to light up.

All of Majestic Star's other casino properties are smoker friendly as well. These include the Majestic Star in Gary Indiana, Fitzgerald's Casino in Blackhawk, Colorado, Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, and another Fitzgerald's property in Tunica, Mississippi. And I know it might sound cheesy to say, but it's too good to pass up - For Majestic Casinos Pittsburgh slots parlor, it was close but no cigar. Ouch. How true that is.