Governor Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey has called on lawmakers to address the ongoing debate regarding smoking regulations in Atlantic City casinos. In a recent interview with The Press of Atlantic City, she emphasized the importance of resolving this matter through legislative action rather than relying on the courts.
Sherrill plans to engage with legislative leaders to establish a timeline for discussing long-standing bills that propose either a complete smoking ban or stricter regulations on smoking within casinos. She stated, “There’s litigation ongoing, but legislation is truly needed,” highlighting the necessity of hearings to evaluate the balance between worker safety and economic implications.
Currently, smoking is allowed in up to 25% of casino areas, but the smoke can easily drift into non-smoking sections. Over the past five years, casino employees have spearheaded efforts to eliminate smoking, organizing protests and lobbying that garnered support from approximately two-thirds of the Legislature. Despite this backing, proposed bills have faced repeated setbacks, including one that passed a state Senate committee over two years ago but expired at the end of the legislative session.
This year, two new proposals have been introduced. Bill S212 aims for a total smoking ban, while S698, backed by Senators John Burzichelli and Michael Testa, would permit smoking under more stringent conditions. The latter bill stipulates that smoking would be confined to enclosed, separately ventilated areas to prevent smoke from circulating into non-smoking zones, and employees would not be compelled to work in these areas against their wishes. Additionally, it suggests a 15-foot buffer between smoking zones and live-dealer table games.
The issue has polarized casino workers. The group Casino Employees Against Smoking's (Harmful) Effects, or CEASE, advocates for a complete ban, citing the long-term health risks of secondhand smoke exposure. Conversely, Unite Here Local 54 opposes a ban, warning of potential job losses, reduced revenue, and possible casino closures, a sentiment echoed by the Atlantic City casino sector.
Pete Naccarelli, a dealer at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and a representative of CEASE, expressed support for the governor’s stance. “We’ve lost too many colleagues due to the Legislature’s inaction over the past twenty years,” he remarked, urging quick legislative action to prioritize worker safety.
“No worker wants to inhale toxic smoke for eight hours a day,” Naccarelli added. “With majority backing in both legislative houses, we implore the Legislature to heed the governor’s call for action and finally close the two-decade-old loophole concerning smoking in casinos before more lives are lost.”
However, Sherrill also noted the increasing competitive pressure from neighboring states, specifically mentioning three new casinos planned in New York City that could impact Atlantic City’s customer base and revenue. She stressed that any policy decision must carefully consider both worker safety and the need to protect jobs and support the local economy.
Proponents of a smoking ban have dismissed industry claims of potential economic damage, citing research that suggests smoking prohibitions do not necessarily lead to revenue losses for casinos. Additionally, workers advocating for a smoking ban have initiated a lawsuit in state court to seek judicial intervention, which runs concurrently with the legislative efforts.
Public health statistics referenced by advocates indicate a long-term decline in smoking rates. According to the National Health Interview Study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, a significant decrease from 20.1% two decades prior.