(AsiaGameHub) – New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill wants Atlantic City casino smoking regulations resolved by the Legislature, rather than being left to the courts. Her remarks draw fresh focus to two bills that would either eliminate indoor smoking or allow it to continue with stricter restrictions.
Good to Know
- One bill would prohibit smoking throughout Atlantic City casino floors.
- Another would permit smoking solely in enclosed, individually ventilated spaces.
- Casino workers continue to be divided over jobs, health, and the long-term impact on revenue.
Casino Smoking Fight Returns to New Jersey Legislature
Legal proceedings are ongoing, but Sherrill stated that lawmakers still must take action. In an interview with The Press of Atlantic City, she noted the issue belongs in the legislative process and that hearings are necessary to balance worker health against economic risk.
Per current regulations, casinos may permit smoking on up to 25% of the gaming floor. However, smoke doesn’t remain confined and can waft into nonsmoking areas.
Two bills are back under consideration. S212 would fully ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos. S698, sponsored by Sens. John Burzichelli and Michael Testa, would retain smoking but restrict it to enclosed, separately ventilated areas engineered to prevent air from flowing into nonsmoking spaces. This bill would also prohibit managers from mandating employees to work in smoking sections and establish a 15-foot buffer zone from live-dealer table games.
Sherrill stated: “There’s ongoing litigation, but they truly need legislation,” She also mentioned she intends to discuss the timing of long-delayed proposals with legislative leaders.
Pressure has been mounting for years. Casino workers have spent approximately five years demonstrating and lobbying for change, and ban supporters claim they have support from around two-thirds of the Legislature. Nevertheless, bills have repeatedly gotten stuck. One measure passed a Senate committee over two years ago but expired when the legislative session concluded.
The debate among workers has split into two camps. CEASE has advocated for a complete ban, asserting that secondhand smoke poses long-term health risks to casino employees. Unite Here Local 54 has taken the opposing stance, cautioning that a ban could reduce revenue, lead to job losses, and even put some casino operations at risk. Atlantic City casino operators have echoed these concerns.
Pete Naccarelli, a dealer at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and a CEASE representative, expressed approval of the governor’s remarks. He stated:
“We’ve lost far too many colleagues because of the Legislature’s inaction over the past 20 years.
“No worker wants to inhale toxins for eight hours a day. With majority backing in both chambers, we implore the Legislature to heed the governor’s call for action and at last close the two-decade-old casino smoking loophole before more of us perish.”
Sherrill also highlighted external pressures on Atlantic City. She noted that three planned casinos in New York City are anticipated to impact customer traffic and revenue, so any decision must take into account jobs and the local economy alongside worker safety.
Ban supporters dispute the claim that smoke-free casinos inevitably lose business. They cite studies they say demonstrate smoking bans no longer ensure revenue drops. Meanwhile, workers advocating for a ban have also turned to state court, creating a parallel process as legislation remains unresolved.
Public health trends add another dimension to the debate. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Study, cited by advocates, revealed that 9.9% of U.S. adults reported smoking cigarettes in 2024, a decrease from 20.1% roughly 20 years prior.
FAQ
What did Mikie Sherrill state about casino smoking?
She said the issue should be addressed via legislation instead of being left to the courts.
What would S212 accomplish?
S212 would prohibit smoking in Atlantic City casinos.
What would S698 do?
S698 would permit smoking only in enclosed, separately ventilated spaces with additional worker safeguards.
Why are workers split?
Some workers want a complete ban for health purposes, while others are concerned about revenue losses, job cuts, and potential casino shutdowns.
What is the existing smoking regulation for Atlantic City casinos?
Smoking is permitted on up to 25% of casino floor space, though smoke can spread beyond those areas.
What external factor did Sherrill reference?
She highlighted three planned casinos in New York City as a competitive challenge to Atlantic City.
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