Although the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act bans smoking at all public places, including casinos and racinos, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is on sovereign land so the state anti-smoking law doesn’t apply. However, the casino recently opened a non-smoking floor, called Level2. Located on the second floor, the former poker room now offers about 100 slot machines, blackjack and other table games. Seminole Coconut Creek General Manager Steve Bonner said, “We’ve certainly heard over the years a request for non-smoking, and we found an area where we could do it.”
Previously the casino had a designated non-smoking area on the first floor, but Bonner noted, “non-smoking areas historically haven’t done well.” The facts support him, because casinos that allow smoking attract more customers. In 2008, Atlantic City casino business fell 15 percent when New Jersey enacted a law similar to Florida’s Clean Indoor Air Act. Eventually, casinos were exempted.
Bonner said a $1 million filtration system is being installed in the poker room, and barriers will be built to separate it from the slot floor. He noted poker players complained the first few days after the room was moved to the first floor. Now, he said, poker revenues have increased since the room is next to the gaming floor.
Smoking is allowed at Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in west Miami-Dade, which, like the Seminole casinos, also located on sovereign land.
However, under state law, smoking is banned at the Isle Casino and Racing in Pompano Beach. The racino in 2010 printed the American Lung Association’s logo on its advertisements to reinforce its smoke-free environment. Smoking also is prohibited at Miami-Dade’s three other racinos, although at Hialeah Park some slots are available on a covered outdoor patio.
