Kewadin Casinos in Upper Michigan Going Smoke-Free

Posted on: November 8, 2024, 08:30h. 

Last updated on: November 8, 2024, 09:06h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The handful of Kewadin Casinos on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, will soon prohibit indoor smoking and vaping.

Kewadin Casinos Michigan smoking
All Kewadin Casinos in Upper Michigan, including the Christmas property, are going smoke-free. The Sault Tribe says the decision is to provide a cleaner experience for guests and a safer workplace for employees. (Image: TV6)

The Sault Tribe announced on its social media channels that effective Monday, November 11, all five of its gaming properties will become smoke-free.

“In an effort to create the very best experience possible for all our guests, Kewadin Casinos will become fully non-smoking,” the tribe said. “All Kewadin Casinos locations will provide a designated outdoor area with seating for smokers as well as easy access to step outside as needed.”

In anticipation of the smoking change, the Kewadin Casinos will undergo a deep clean involving the sanitizing of the casinos’ HVAC components, including the air ducts. New carpeting and other materials prone to retaining the smell of smoke will be replaced.

“We look forward to seeing you soon for a fresher, smoke-free experience,” the tribe added.

Kewadin Casinos are located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel.

Positive Feedback

The response to Kewadin Casinos going smoke-free was overwhelmingly positive on social media.

“Best business decision Kewadin ever made. Congrats,” said one response.

I’m a smoker and I appreciate this. I don’t mind stepping outside,” added another.

“Much healthier for the staff! Good job Kewadin,” said another in support.

Of course, some smokers took issue with the change. A few of the nearly 200 comments to the Kewadin Casinos’ Facebook post claimed they would no longer gamble at the casinos once smoking is prohibited.

Generally, however, the decision to ban tobacco use at Kewadin Casinos has been well received.

Michigan’s 2010 Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law provided exemptions for the three commercial casinos in downtown Detroit — MGM Grand, MotorCity, and Hollywood Greektown. MotorCity is the only one of the three that doesn’t take advantage of the smoking allowance.

State law doesn’t govern Native American land, and therefore, the Sault Tribe and the other gaming tribes in Michigan are free to set their own rules on indoor smoking.

Many tribes across the country have led the nationwide push to eliminate smoking from casino floors. While commercial casino companies continue to push back against efforts to force their casinos to go smoke-free, numerous tribes have implemented smoke-free conditions.

In Michigan, several tribes, including the Bay Mills Indian Community, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians, and Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, all offer smoke-free casinos. 

Smoking Prevalence

Michigan’s Health & Human Services Department reports that tobacco use is the largest contributor to preventable death in the state. Despite a steady decline in tobacco use over the past two decades, Michigan has a higher rate of use than the rest of the country.

The health agency says 15.2% of adults in Michigan consume tobacco products, 1.7 points higher than the national average of 13.5%. About 16% of Michigan men and 14.5% of women are tobacco consumers.

Tobacco kills more people in Michigan than AIDS, alcohol, auto accidents, cocaine, heroin, murders, and suicides — combined,” the Department of Health & Human Services reports.

The state agency says annual health costs directly caused by smoking are upwards of $5.3 billion, and that smoking-caused productivity losses are $11.5 billion a year.