Opponents of smoking in casinos are ramping up their efforts to push for a ban on smoking in gambling establishments across the country. As the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke become more widely known and accepted, activists are targeting a new group of stakeholders in their campaign: shareholders of gambling companies.
The push for a smoking ban in casinos has been gaining momentum in recent years, with several states, including Illinois, New York, and New Jersey, already implementing some form of restrictions on smoking in indoor public places. However, the casino industry has been a major holdout, citing concerns about potential revenue losses if smoking is banned on their gaming floors.
But opponents of smoking in casinos are not backing down. A recent report by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation found that exposure to secondhand smoke in casinos can be up to 50 times higher than in other indoor environments, posing a significant health risk to both employees and patrons.
In an effort to further their cause, anti-smoking advocates are now targeting the shareholders of gambling companies, urging them to pressure casino operators to implement smoking bans in their establishments. Activists argue that a smoking ban in casinos could actually attract more customers who are concerned about their health, as well as lower operating costs for casinos by reducing the need for ventilation systems and cleaning expenses.
“We believe that shareholders have a vested interest in the well-being of the companies they invest in, including the health and safety of employees and customers,” said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for Smoke-Free Casinos, a leading advocacy group pushing for a ban on smoking in gambling establishments.
The push to enlist shareholders in the non-smoking movement comes at a time when the gambling industry is facing increased scrutiny over its practices, particularly in relation to problem gambling and the potential negative impacts on local communities. With public sentiment shifting towards healthier environments, casino operators may find themselves under more pressure to consider implementing smoking bans to align with societal norms.
While it remains to be seen how shareholders will respond to these calls for a smoking ban in casinos, one thing is clear: the debate over smoking in gambling establishments is far from over. As the movement gains momentum and garners more support from various stakeholders, including investors, it is becoming increasingly likely that smoking bans in casinos could become a reality sooner rather than later.