Advocates urge Division of Gaming Enforcement to implement smoke-free policies across all New Jersey casinos

Opponents of indoor smoking at Atlantic City casinos are renewing their push in the new year. Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) and Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) have submitted public comments requiring smoke-free policies as part of the licensing process for all casino properties in New Jersey.

The petition comes in response to proposed updates by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) to "modernize certain licensing requirements for casinos and racetracks that host sports wagering facilities and activities."

ANR and CEASE are calling for the inclusion of smoke-free policies in a bid "to protect both workers and patrons from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke." The proposal would require that all licensed casino properties in Atlantic City operate as completely smoke-free facilities, "in line with the growing demand for safer, healthier indoor environments."

In a comment submitted to the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of ANR, said: "Ensuring that all casinos are smoke-free would ensure workers aren’t forced to choose between their livelihood and their health, and it would give patrons a chance to enjoy the Atlantic City experience without inhaling harmful toxins. We urge the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to make smoke-free policies a key part of the licensing process for all casinos in Atlantic City."

CEASE co-founders and Atlantic City casino dealers, Nicole Vitola, Pete Naccarelli, and Lamont White, said in a submitted comment: "We’re asking the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement to require that every licensed casino hotel in Atlantic City operate as a smoke-free facility. Why? Because workers and patrons deserve better than exposure to harmful toxins just to enjoy a night out or a paycheck.

"By requiring that all licensed casino properties be smoke-free, New Jersey would not be ahead of the curve; it would simply be keeping up with the times. Across the country, more and more industries are making the responsible choice to create safer, healthier workplaces. Casinos shouldn’t be an exception."

Whether to ban smoking is one of the most controversial issues in Atlantic City casinos, with employees yearly renewing their efforts to change the exemption that casinos were given from the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act. Currently, smoking is allowed on 25% of the casino floor.