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LANSING -- The House has sent to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for signing a bill to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and all other workplaces, but allow smoking on the gaming floors of Detroit's three casinos.

However, the casino bars and restaurants would be no-smoking zones.

The landmark vote followed approval in the Senate on a landmark bill that anti-smoking advocates have sought for more than a decade, but which was opposed strenuously by bar and restaurant owners across the state.

The smoking ban would take effect May 1, making Michigan the 38th state with some form of state ban on smoking in public areas.

"We have heard the message from the people of Michigan,"said Rep. Joan Bauer, D-Lansing, who cited numerous polls showing the Michigan public supporting a public smoking ban.

The Senate voted 24-13 on a compromise that was led by Sen. Ron Jelinek, R-Three Oaks.

The House soon afterward voted 75-30 to concur with the Senate version, with some House members applauding as the tally was announced.

The Detroit casino owners opposed the smoking ban, saying it would cost them tens of millions of dollars as smoking customers flee to Indian-run casinos, which won't be subject to the smoking ban.

The Republican-controlled Senate last year passed a no-smoking bill with no exception, while the Democratic-led House approved a bill exempting casinos.

Jelinek said it was time to compromise, as he and other lawmakers were frequently asked by the public for a smoking ban.

"Residents are going to come out of their houses," Jelinek said. "Many people won't go to bars and reastaurants because they don't like the smoke."

Jubilant anti-smoking advocates celebrated with hugs outside of the House chamber after the vote.

“This is huge. We couldn’t be more pleased,” said Judy Stewart, spokesperson for the campaign for Smokefree Air. “Michigan is finally going to join the ranks of smokefree states. It’s a historic day.”

Said MEC President Chris Kolb, a former state representative who supported smoking bans introduced during his tenure: "Finally. This is a long overdue, common-sense protection for patrons and employees of Michigan’s bars and restaurants.”