Workers at Atlantic City casinos are gearing up for a protest aimed at instituting a smoking ban on gaming floors. This demonstration is set to take place along the Boardwalk later this month, coinciding with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill's attendance at a significant industry conference.
The protest arises amidst ongoing discussions about potentially revoking an exemption that permits indoor smoking in casinos under the state's Smoke-Free Air Act. The Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) group is leading the charge for this demonstration, which will occur during the governor's scheduled address to casino operators and stakeholders at the East Coast Gaming Congress.
Many employees have voiced their concerns, stating that the current working conditions expose them to secondhand smoke while they are on the gaming floors. Advocacy groups argue that the health of casino workers has been compromised due to continuous exposure to indoor smoke, raising alarms about respiratory issues and overall workplace safety.
Labor representatives have been vocal about this issue in various forums, including a meeting held on January 17, 2024, in Egg Harbor Township, where State Senator Vince Polistina met with union members who support the initiative to eliminate indoor smoking in casinos.
Governor Sherrill has urged the New Jersey Legislature to tackle this issue through legislative means rather than relying on ongoing lawsuits. She emphasized that resolving the matter would necessitate hearings and a clear legislative timeline, noting that discussions with lawmakers are currently in progress.
While she has not taken a definitive stance on the smoking issue, Sherrill mentioned that any resolution should balance worker safety with employment stability, acknowledging that some employees are worried about the potential business repercussions of a smoking ban.
The debate has gained momentum following a court ruling in January, which has led to the case moving through the legal system, with a request for review by the Supreme Court.
New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act, enacted in 2006, bans indoor smoking in most workplaces but allows an exemption for casino gaming floors. Advocates for workers argue that this exemption continues to expose casino employees to harmful indoor smoke, especially when other public areas, such as beaches and boardwalks, enforce smoking restrictions.
Casino operators have expressed concerns regarding the financial impact of a comprehensive smoking ban, stating that some customers prefer to smoke while gambling and may choose to gamble in other jurisdictions if such restrictions are enforced.
These concerns persist despite temporary smoking bans implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were lifted in 2021. Research on the economic implications of smoking bans has yielded mixed outcomes.
Across the United States, approaches to smoking in casinos vary widely. States like Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio mandate entirely smoke-free indoor gaming environments, while others, including Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, and Nevada, allow smoking in designated areas, although some are contemplating legislative changes.
Additionally, some tribal casinos have voluntarily adopted smoke-free policies, even in areas where exemptions are applicable.
Legislation aimed at removing the casino exemption has been introduced in both the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate, garnering bipartisan support, but has yet to progress to a final vote.
Advocates for workers argue that the delays in legislative action leave employees vulnerable to ongoing health risks, while also highlighting political obstacles that have hindered a vote.