STATESIDE
Neighboring New Jersey casinos were also reluctant to
take major steps. So, did they lose money? If so, it was minimal and short term. In these 15-plus years, national smoking rates have
dropped, advertising has all but disappeared and, if anything, regulations have become tighter. The media clearly supports these efforts. There are even attempts to ban smoking on public
beaches. Is there any place with more fresh air and space? Lawmakers almost do not have to because those smoking on the beach become pariahs to nearby groups. I too have set up our beach chairs, umbrellas and towels as far from the smokers as possible. For this column, I reviewed my emails from the past 18 months. I have received so many from the American Gaming Association (AGA), Americans for Nonsmokers Rights (ANR) and Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (C.E.A.S.E.). They are all variations on the same theme. Since 1976, ANR has advocated for nonsmoking
environments in workplaces, public places, offices, airplanes, restaurants, bars and casinos. C.E.A.S.E is a grassroots group of casino workers determined to enact permanent casino-wide nonsmoking regulations. Subset groups on the front lines include pregnant employees, table dealers, bartenders and others with direct interaction and face-to-face contact.
10 AUGUST 2022
Ironically, Covid has propelled this movement because of shifting attitudes about pulmonary (lung) and cardiac (heart) health. Those Covid-free so far don’t want it. Those who survived Covid with mild or moderate symptoms don’t want it again. My home state of Pennsylvania proves the point.
Recent research compared four timeframes – two pre-Covid, one during the pandemic period and the last once all mandates ended. The two eastern Pennsylvania casinos that maintained smoking prohibitions fared better financially than the two eastern Pennsylvania properties that returned to the earlier policies. Across the U.S., more than 150 tribal casinos of all
sizes rejected smoking after reopening. The number increases every month. One huge development may also influence others.
Following New York and Illinois state laws, all commercial casinos within New York City’s or Chicago’s city limits must open smoke-free. New Jersey and Rhode Island legislators are considering nonsmoking bills in casinos statewide. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy continually promises he’ll sign new legislation, but so far, nothing. Even Nevada is having second thoughts. In an election year, some lawmakers may be
motivated to actually get work done. Funny how that happens, isn’t it?
ASDF/Adobe Stock
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