A year after the nation’s second-largest gambling resort scrapped a plan to go totally smoke-free in its 11 casinos, the issue remains as hazy as the cigarette smoke over the blackjack tables.

Atlantic City was set to ban all smoking last October. But officials backed off when the recession hit, promising to reconsider in a year.

There is still no consensus on whether to stick with the current arrangement, which permits smoking on 25 percent of a casino floor, or to try once again for a total ban.

Already battered by the poor economy and fierce competition from Pennsylvania and New York slots parlors, the casinos fear losing their smoking customers.

But some council members plan to push for a total ban, saying health should trump wealth.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.