Pennsylvania Casinos Could Go Smoke-Free With New Legislation

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 20, 2023

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Smoking inside Pennsylvania casinos has been a contentious issue in recent years, but that could change with the introduction of the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act by Allegheny County Democratic Rep. Dan Frankel.

This bill aims to end smoking in the state’s casinos and other establishments previously exempted under the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most casinos temporarily banned smoking while mask mandates were in place. However, once these mandates were lifted, many casinos resumed indoor smoking.

The Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act, also known as House Bill 1657, seeks to close the smoking exemption loopholes in the Clean Indoor Air Act 2008.

Besides affecting Pennsylvania’s casinos, this legislation would also impact private clubs, home daycare centres, hotels, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) bars and bars that do not primarily serve food.

The American For Nonsmokers’ Rights, a nonprofit advocacy group, supported the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting workers from the health risks of secondhand smoke exposure.

They cited data suggesting that smoke-free casinos promote health and perform better as they appeal to most guests who prefer a smoke-free environment.

The following steps for the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act include seeking co-sponsors, introducing the bill in the House, committee review, House floor vote and passage in the Senate.

Rep. Frankel believes that there is more robust support for this bill among casino employees, making its passage more likely than previous attempts.

Only two casino locations in Pennsylvania remain smoke-free, both operated by Parx Casino. Parx’s decision to maintain a smoke-free environment has not adversely affected its revenue and has garnered positive employee feedback.

Parx’s experience could serve as a model for other establishments to follow if smoking is banned in Pennsylvania casinos.

While Pennsylvania has taken the road to reducing smoking in its casinos, not every state follows the same approach. Smoking is currently allowed on 25% of the casino floor in Atlantic City, in contrast to the complete smoking ban in Connecticut casinos under discussion.

Initially, smoking in Atlantic City casinos was temporarily prohibited when they reopened following pandemic-related closures. However, smoking was reintroduced to 25% of the casino floors in July 2021.

While states are split about the consensus on smoking, experts predict that the local market and general audience of each play a crucial role in how smoking is viewed and approached. For now, the power will lie in local businesses and state authorities.