Lawmakers in New Jersey are yet to vote on a bill to ban smoking in casinos across the state after struggling to gather the support for it to get past committee.
The debate around smoking in casinos stems from workers who fear their health is at risk by being around cigarettes and smoking at physical establishments the longer smoking is permitted.
While some lawmakers supported the health workers who offered testimony at a November hearing, there has been opposition from casino owners and business groups who claim banning smoking would discourage people from visiting casinos.
Could Gamers Really Stay Away if a Smoking Ban is Implemented at Casinos?
Well, those against such a ban, point to a study commissioned by the Casino Association of New Jersey which claims more than 2,500 casino jobs could be at risk if a bill banning smoking is passed as law in the future. The report suggests 500 job losses could negatively impact the city’s economy.
Like the workers, some players will also be eager to game in an environment free of smoke. They will want to avoid smoking, cigarettes and smoke entirely when taking part in casino games.
People also have the alternative of gaming online. They can visit legal casinos as listed on the Covers.com NJ casino page from the comfort of their own home, allowing them to enjoy their favorite casino games still but away from the possibility of entering a smoky casino floor.
New technology and the convenience and accessibility provided by online casinos mean gamers today could choose to stay away from physical land-based venues and instead play casino pursuits from the comfort of their house.
So, what Next?
The so-far failed bill actually comes nearly two decades after smoking was actually banned in most indoor public spaces – except casinos. Senator Richard Codey (D-Essex), governor when the smoking ban was enacted back in 2006, has admitted the casino exemption was ‘wrong’ but insisted it was the ‘price lawmakers had to pay’ to get the original passed.
Workers pushing for smoking to be banned in physical casino venues, amid concerns about the health risks linked to smoking, are expected to continue their bid to see a bill passed that would bring an end to smoking in gambling establishments.
Summing Up
While jobs could be at risk if a smoking ban is implemented, changes are already happening in the industry, with more people than ever before gaming at online casinos.
In November 2023, online casinos in New Jersey recorded a gross gaming revenue of $ 171.6 million from table games and interactive slots and platforms online continue to grow across America.
Players who would prefer in a smoke-free environment now have the option to stay away from physical casinos thanks to emerging technologies. So it remains to be seen how a smoking ban would affect numbers gaming in land-based venues.
