BLACK HAWK, Colo., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Colorado casinos are preparing for a ban on smoking that takes effect Tuesday, New Year's Day.

Jeff Bauer, vice president and general manager of the Golden Casino Group, says the three casinos he supervises will give away cigarettes to any smokers who complain about not being able to light up at the tables. But the cigarettes must be smoked outside on one of the new smoking patios.

Bauer and other executives say they will try to resolve all disputes about smoking through their own security staffs before calling police.

Colorado extended its law barring smoking from most public indoor spaces to include casinos.