- Campaigns to end smoking inside Atlantic City casinos are still active.
- Casino operators say a full ban could hurt revenue and threaten jobs.
The battle over indoor smoking in Atlantic City casinos remains unresolved. Advocates for smoke-free workplaces have spent years trying to end an exemption that still permits tobacco use inside parts of casino gaming floors, but their push has yet to produce a final legislative change.
Under New Jersey’s 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act, the city’s nine casinos may set aside up to 25% of gaming space for smoking. Since the pandemic-era temporary suspension of indoor smoking, the worker group CEASE, short for Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, has continued pressing state officials to eliminate that exception.
Although many lawmakers had previously signaled support for a ban, the effort stalled. Supporters of the legislation have blamed Democratic leadership for not advancing the bills, even after they reportedly had enough backing in both chambers. Casino companies argued that prohibiting smoking indoors would reduce gambling revenue and could lead to significant job losses.
Atlantic City operators also say they are under growing competitive pressure, especially with new casino development planned in New York City. In their view, removing smoking from casinos could weaken their position further as they prepare for new regional rivals.
Public Health Officials Push for Action
Health advocates continue to emphasize the risks of secondhand smoke. Public health guidance from the CDC states that there is no safe level of exposure, a point often raised by workers who say they face daily health risks while on the job.
At a recent meeting, the New Jersey Public Health Council urged state Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington to weigh in on the issue and encourage action from lawmakers or the governor. Council members argued that the casino exception in state law deserves renewed scrutiny.
One council member said the state should revisit the portion of the law that still allows smoking in parts of casinos and called for leadership from health officials to help move the issue forward.
The council later approved a formal resolution asking the commissioner to comment on the matter. Supporters of a ban say the issue has been debated politically and legally for years without a clear resolution.
The Public Health Council’s role is to help protect the broader public’s health, giving its recommendation added weight in the continuing debate.
New York Casinos Will Operate Smoke-Free
New York requires casinos, racinos, and off-track betting venues to be entirely smoke-free. That standard is expected to apply to the upcoming New York City casino projects, including proposals tied to Queens and the Bronx.
How much those properties will affect Atlantic City remains uncertain. Some observers note that travel from parts of northern New Jersey to the outer boroughs may be inconvenient, which could limit the competitive impact.
Even so, Atlantic City casinos maintain that allowing smoking may help retain a segment of gamblers who prefer to smoke while playing slot machines or table games. That argument remains central to the industry’s resistance to a full indoor smoking ban.
