New Jersey Republicans to Rescue Stalled Effort to Ban Atlantic City Casino Smoking

Posted on: September 12, 2024, 08:28h. 

Last updated on: September 12, 2024, 10:27h.

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

New Jersey Republicans have come out in support of extinguishing smoking inside Atlantic City casinos.

Atlantic City casino smoking New Jersey Republicans
Opponents to casino smoking inside Atlantic City casinos rally in May 2022. New Jersey Republicans have recently come out in support of a casino smoking ban. (Image: Townsquare Media)

In recent years, legislation to close the smoking loophole afforded to casinos in Atlantic City and parimutuel wagering facilities garnered enough support to pass the New Jersey Legislature. A majority of lawmakers in both the Senate and General Assembly issued their backing to amend the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act to exclude casinos and racetracks from allowing cigarettes and cigars.

The bills never came up for a floor vote, however, as Democratic leaders reportedly wished to delay the matter until the 2023 fall election where all 40 Senate and 80 Assembly seats were on the ballot. Democrats retained their stronghold on the state house in Trenton, but action on the casino smoking bills remained inactive.

GOP members now say they’ll rescue the smoking bills and get them across the finish line, and on to Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) desk.

Popular Legislation

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Warren) believes it’s time that casino workers are provided the same workplace protections as most other employees.

If Democrats are serious about protecting workers, Republicans are ready to help pass the bill,” said DiMaio. “We need legislative action, not excuses.”

Legislative action is likely the only recourse to end the indoor casino smoking allowance after state courts recently ruled that the 2006 law doesn’t violate worker protections afforded under the New Jersey Constitution. The lawsuit, filed by the United Auto Workers, a union that represents table game dealers at Bally’s, Caesars, and Tropicana, has been appealed to the state’s Supreme Court but its acceptance presumably faces long odds.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about doing what’s right for workers and their families,” DiMaio continued. “With significant bipartisan support, there’s no reason not to get this done.”

The casino industry says there is.

The Casino Association of New Jersey, which represents the nine casinos down the shore, says a smoking ban would hurt business and lead to thousands of job cuts. Those industry claims have been cited for Democrats not resuming their push to force gamblers outside to smoke following the 2023 election.

Despite higher revenue, Atlantic City casino profits collectively declined 1.7% in the second quarter. During the first half of the year, resort revenue was up 1.5% but profits dropped almost 5% year over year. Higher operating costs were blamed. 

Casino Workers Hopeful 

While UAW has fought to move smoking outside, the larger Atlantic City casino union — Unite Here Local 54 — has backed the industry and argued that a smoking ban would hurt the health of its members by eliminating jobs. A grassroots coalition of resort workers disagrees.

Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) has been campaigning for years to eliminate secondhand smoke. The group celebrated Republicans’ willingness to join their crusade.

“Clean air is a bipartisan issue, with both sides recognizing the urgent need to protect workers from secondhand smoke,” said Nicole Vitola, a co-founder of CEASE and a longtime casino dealer. “Now the legislature needs to put their words into long overdue action and vote on this immediately.”