Plans To Eliminate Casino Smoking in Atlantic City Extinguished

Efforts to eliminate smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos have been halted following a recent court ruling, allowing the city’s nine casinos to continue offering smoking areas on their gaming floors. Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels handed down the decision, marking a significant win for the casino industry, which had warned that a smoking ban could lead to job losses and reduced revenue. The ruling also disappointed many casino workers who have been pushing for a smoke-free work environment for several years.

Casino Workers’ Push for a Smoke-Free Environment
Casino workers, led by a group advocating for healthier workplace conditions, have long argued that smoking on the casino floor exposes them to harmful secondhand smoke.

• They initially tried to change the law through the legislative process.

• After legislative efforts failed, they turned to the courts.

• Their lawyer has vowed to appeal to the state Supreme Court for a speedy review.

Casinos Cite Economic Impact and Air Quality Efforts

The casinos have maintained that banning smoking could have severe economic consequences, including the loss of millions in gambling revenue and taxes, which are critical for the city and state.

• The Casino Association of New Jersey expressed satisfaction with the ruling.

• Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino, emphasized air quality improvements and limiting smoking areas.

• He stressed the need to balance employee health with the economic stability of the workforce.

Ongoing Fight and Wider Context

Despite the ruling, anti-smoking advocates remain determined to continue their campaign.

• Lamont White, a Borgata dealer, called for bipartisan legislative action.

• Workers in other states, including Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Kansas, and Virginia, are pursuing similar campaigns.

• Studies suggest that non-smoking casinos could perform better financially.

Currently, smoking is permitted on 25% of the casino floor, but secondhand smoke remains an issue. The United Auto Workers’ lawsuit, which sought to overturn the casino exemption in New Jersey’s indoor smoking law, was dismissed. The judge ruled that the workers’ claim of a constitutional right to safety was unlikely to succeed.

The debate continues as the state weighs health concerns against potential losses in tax revenue — and advocates vow to keep fighting for a smoke-free workplace in Atlantic City’s casinos.