A poll conducted by Richard Stockton University shows mass support for a smoking ban in Atlantic City casino. But the ban also has key opponents as a vote in Trenton looms, according to NJ Online Gambling.
The Stockton poll found overwhelming support for a smoking ban in the casinos. 62 percent in favor and 31 percent opposed.
Supporters of the ban has attracted 28 co-sponsors in the Assembly and 15 in the Senate. That said, the focus now seems to be on setting the annual budget, which begins July 1.
Opponents Atlantic City Mayor, Marty Small Sr., and Bob McDevitt, president of Local 54 of the Unite Here casino workers union.
Casino Association of New Jersey President Joe Lupo said, “adding a smoking ban could cause a devastating effect to the community and state.”
“While we want to ensure that our members work in a safe work environment, banning smoking in New Jersey casinos would mean lost jobs for our union and throughout the state, and lost tax revenues and less money for senior programs,” McDevitt wrote.
The United Auto Workers union—which represents table game dealers at Caesars, Bally’s, and Tropicana—wrote its own letter backing the ban.
“Our members include dealers who sit inches away from patrons who blow smoke directly into their face for eight hours a day, every single day,” the letter read. “It is simply unacceptable knowing what we know about the dangers of secondhand smoke. No worker in the state of N.J. should be forced to breathe cancer-causing chemicals every single day.”
In eastern Pennsylvania, Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Parx, and Mount Airy Casino Resort have voluntarily imposed their own smoking bans, despite state law enabling them to permit smoking on up to 50 percent of the gaming floor.
“Rivers Casino Philadelphia has decided to continue prohibiting indoor smoking for now,” said spokesperson Jack Horner. “An outdoor patio has been designated for smokers and guests have complied without issue. Rivers Casino Philadelphia will continue to monitor feedback, which has been positive.”
Cynthia Hallett, president, and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights said the bans in a neighboring region could help encourage lawmakers to extend the same policy change in Atlantic City.
“It’s becoming harder and harder for Atlantic City casinos to defend indoor smoking that threatens the health of their employees,” Hallett said, noting that casinos in Delaware, Maryland, New York, and Connecticut also have bans in place.”
