After efforts in 2023 didn’t enact stricter anti-smoking laws in New Jersey casinos, legislators in Missouri and Kansas could also be set to deal with the problem within the new yr.
Both states kick off legislative periods in January and representatives from Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) plan on working with legislators in each states to introduce anti-smoking payments. Some staff at casinos within the states are hoping the efforts lead to changes.
“No one should have to work in secondhand smoke,” on line casino worker and CEASE founder Joseph Hafley instructed KTVI. Doesn’t matter if you’re like safety, EVS (environmental providers), bartenders, something like that. No one ought to must take care of respiratory that in, as a way to make a paycheck.”
Hafley added that “85% of Kansans and Missourians do not smoke, but (casinos) cater to the 15% that do, which doesn’t make any sense.”
Efforts Receive Pushback
Kansas has 4 business casinos, however these are exempt from a 2010 clear air act that banned indoor smoking. Missouri has the same legislation that bans most smoking, with properties nonetheless allowed to designate 30% of public area for people who smoke. However, for casinos that will increase to as a lot as 50% of on line casino gaming area.
A possible smoking ban wouldn’t have an effect on tribal properties.
While a ban has obtained assist amongst some employees, gaming firms, some gamblers, and even different on line casino staff and unions have pushed again towards anti-smoking efforts claiming that it hurts betting numbers.
Penn Entertainment operates casinos in each states and reacted to the efforts by noting the corporate’s smoke mitigation efforts.
“As members of the hospitality industry, we seek to accommodate the needs of both our smoking and non-smoking patrons using state-of-the-art ventilation systems, extremely high ceilings, and through adequate separation of smoking and non-smoking areas,” Penn Entertainment Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations Jeff Morris mentioned in a press release.
“The real power at the end of the day on this issue rests with our customers who can vote with their pocketbooks if they feel like we’re not doing a good enough job catering to their needs. It’s a balance and one that we feel the marketplace should determine, particularly in such a competitive environment with other gaming facilities nearby and in neighboring states.”
Issue Split New Jersey Casino Unions
In New Jersey, legislators couldn’t attain an settlement in 2023 over a whole ban, the place state legislation permits smoking on solely 25% of the on line casino ground. In September, the state’s supreme courtroom rejected a lawsuit by on line casino anti-smoking backers to get that overturned.
The state’s unions have been cut up on the problem as effectively, and a few see a ban as hurting the casinos and probably costing staff jobs. That may come as stay on line casino income has dipped in latest months.
Unite Here Local 54 President Donna DeCaprio has been a vocal opponent of on line casino smoking bans. A competing union head recently called for her resignation over the problem.
“She should be ashamed of herself. She should hand in her union card,” assistant director of United Auto Workers Region 9 Ray Jensen instructed the Associated Press. The union represents sellers at three Atlantic City casinos.
DeCaprio responded by noting: “A balance needs to be reached that will both protect worker health and preserve good jobs.”
