Complete Smoking Ban for Atlantic City Casinos
In January 2007, Atlantic City tried to pass a law banning smoking in the casinos but backed down under pressure from the casino industry. The City Council then enacted a compromise law restricting smoking to no more than 25 percent of the casino floor. There were many complaints that it was ineffective because smoke was drifting from the smoking sections of the casino into the non-smoking areas. The casino industry is already citing the present partial ban for the reduced revenue being felt by the Atlantic City casinos and they feel that the complete ban will drive customers to nearby States that allow smoking in the casinos. There is however a push by more States to curtail smoking in the casinos.
More than two dozen states nationwide regulate smoking inside casinos, eight ban smoking altogether inside the gambling halls, and two others will impose a total ban starting in 2009, according to Karen Blumenfeld, policy director of the New Jersey Group Against Smoking Pollution. Lawmakers in Connecticut are trying to extend the present public smoking ban to include Foxwoods and the Mohegan Sun, which are located on Native American reservations. Both casinos claim that smoking restrictions would be a threat to tribal sovereignty. Pennsylvania lawmakers debated last week to make the casinos completely smoke-free or limit smoking to 25 percent of the gaming floor which is similar to the smoking restrictions in Atlantic City which were just replaced in favor of the total ban on smoking.
Comments
I think smoking should be banned in all casinos because my doctor just told me to keep my cholestral level down to avoid bein around people that smoke. If if affects my health, it affects everyone’s health.
Why do smokers think they have a right to harm the rest of us ? If they can’t stand to be without a cigarette, stay home !They banned it on airplanes years ago and the world didn’t end.
I, for one, would go out of state just to visit casinos that banned smoking! I hate coming home from the casino smelling like an ashtray.
I am thrilled that the smoking ban is going into effect. I hate sitting 2 rows from smokers because smoking sections are totally ineffective.
I went to Lake Tahoe and we ever you sit somebody sits next to you with a lit cigarette or cigar.
I am sooo glad this ban will go into effect!
Let the smokers go outside if they need to smoke. I smell like an ashtray when I leave a casino with smoking permitted. Most of the people turn into chain smokers when they gamble. I feel like wearing a gas mask. Be like Delaware, 100% smoke-free.
IF YOU DON’T LIKE THE SMOKE THEN MAYBE YOU CAN GO OUTSIDE! KEEPING THE SMOKING IN ONE AREA IS FINE…BUT TO GO OUTSIDE WHEN THERE IS USUALLY ONLY (1) DOOR IN THE ENITRE CASINO IS RIDICULOUS!
I feel they should leave the smoking and non smoking areas. It is ridiculous that they tell people to go outside as someone said one door in the place for how many to go outside..The casinos say revenue is down now.when this ban hits their revenue will be down alot more…….They had smoking and non smoking sections all these years, less than half the casino is smoking now why can’t they let it be…When they lose revenue , tehy will be forced to lay people off and because smokers will not go and thereby cuts the states revenue as well.
We have been waiting long enough for the smoking ban!!! We should not have to beathe in second hand smoke!!! Casinos are still jammed even with the smoking sections–they thought they were going to loose money when that was put into place–it doesn’t look like they lost a thing!!! Smoking is a health risk and non-smokers should not be subjected to the smoke
I see 6 out of the 8 comments posted are for keeping the smoking ban–that must tell you that there are more non-smokers than smokers playing!!!!!!
If people do not want to be in a smoking environment, I suggest they do not go to casinos. I think it is an abuse of a smokers rights to ban smoking in a gambling environment; can the authorities ban pain killer medicines, alcohol or drugs? These items are far more dangerous.
Since when is blowing smoke in other people’s faces a “right’? Casinos will always make money. The lives of workers and guests are at stake with smoking being allowed. AC Council will regret lifting the ban if Maryland passes the slots law, because many of us will no longer drive to AC, especially if there is still smoking permitted.
To the person who stated a smoking ban in a gambling environment is an abuse of smoking rights, and..Can authorities ban pain killers, alcohol & drugs because they are far more dangerous….I say to you, If one wants to take pain killers, alcohol or drugs, it does not affect anyone but themselves. If you are blowing smoke in other patrons faces it is harmful to all. Second hand smoke is the number one cause of cancer. The abuse of rights is on the non smokers.
UNCONSIONABLE, IRRESPONSIBLE define the action of the Atlantic City Council and any and all the people behind lifting the ban on smoking. Florida & New York have horrific but truthful commercials paid for by the respective States indicating the many damages to lung, heart, eyes, throat & lungs caused by cigarette smoke.
An investigation of the money & reasons behind this action is in order!
i agree with linda.yeah its true smoking is better than taking drug or alcohol..but it doesnt make sense if it used as an excuse for smoker.fine if you want to destroy yourself but taking others life..shame on you..smokers are life suckers.!