Atlantic City casinos will go smoke-free for seven days before allowing gamblers to light up again.

City Council President William Marsh told The Associated Press that the unusual arrangement is necessary because the city can’t legally stop a previously approved smoking ban from taking effect on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, the council gave preliminary approval to delaying the smoking ban for one year due to the economic crisis and fear of massive casino losses and layoffs.

But it still needs a final vote on Oct. 22, and the ban is set to take effect a week before that.

Four casinos owned by Harrah’s Entertainment say they will go smoke-free on the gambling floor anyway on Wednesday, and stay that way, offering patrons ventilated smoking lounges.