Advocates and workers’ groups are calling for a significant policy shift in New Jersey’s casino industry. Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) and Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) are urging the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to mandate smoke-free environments across all Atlantic City casinos. This renewed effort comes as the DGE considers updates to licensing requirements for casinos and racetracks hosting sports wagering facilities.
A Call to End Secondhand Smoke Exposure
In their public comments, ANR and CEASE argued that including smoke-free policies in the licensing process would protect casino workers and patrons from the well-documented health risks of secondhand smoke. Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of ANR, emphasized that casino employees shouldn’t have to choose between their jobs and their health.
“Ensuring that all casinos are smoke-free would ensure workers aren’t forced to choose between their livelihood and their health,” Hallett said. “It would also give patrons a chance to enjoy the Atlantic City experience without inhaling harmful toxins.”
CEASE co-founders Nicole Vitola, Pete Naccarelli, and Lamont White, who are also Atlantic City casino dealers, echoed Hallett’s concerns. They submitted a joint statement highlighting the urgent need for change: “Workers and patrons deserve better than exposure to harmful toxins just to enjoy a night out or a paycheck.”
The Current Policy: An Exemption Under Fire
Since the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act banned smoking in most indoor spaces in New Jersey, casinos have been granted a controversial exemption allowing smoking on up to 25% of their gaming floors. This policy has been the subject of heated debates for years. Workers’ groups argue that the exemption prioritizes profits over public health and leaves employees vulnerable to secondhand smoke-related illnesses.
Advocates point out that smoke-free policies have already been implemented in other states without damaging revenue. They argue that public sentiment and industry trends support a shift toward healthier, smoke-free environments.
Industry Resistance and Economic Concerns
Opponents of a smoking ban, including some casino operators, argue that restricting smoking could negatively impact revenue and reduce Atlantic City’s competitiveness. They contend that smoking areas attract a significant portion of the customer base, and banning smoking entirely could drive patrons to casinos in nearby states where smoking is permitted.
While revenue concerns have been a sticking point, advocates point to studies from other regions showing that smoke-free policies do not necessarily harm business in the long term. They highlight successful examples from states like Massachusetts and Ohio, where smoke-free casinos operate profitably while protecting workers’ health.
Broader Public Health Implications
The debate extends beyond the casino floors, touching on broader public health concerns. Secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen, linked to heart disease, respiratory problems, and cancer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Advocates argue that the DGE’s proposed updates to licensing rules present an opportunity to align casino policies with modern public health standards. CEASE’s Vitola summarized the issue succinctly: “Casinos shouldn’t be an exception when it comes to creating safer, healthier workplaces. This is about basic dignity and fairness.”
Momentum for Change
The push for smoke-free casinos is part of a larger movement toward healthier workplaces and public spaces. Across the U.S., more industries are embracing smoke-free policies. New Jersey could join the ranks of states prioritizing health without sacrificing economic vitality.
Supporters of the proposed changes see this as a chance for Atlantic City to modernize and attract a broader customer base. Many believe that smoke-free policies could enhance the city’s appeal to families and non-smoking patrons, who may currently avoid casinos due to health concerns.
