In recent weeks, a heated battle has been unfolding in New Jersey over the issue of smoking in casinos. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, smoking has been banned inside Atlantic City’s nine casinos as a safety precaution. However, as restrictions begin to ease and the casinos aim to recover from the financial losses incurred during the pandemic, there is growing pressure to lift the ban on smoking.
Proponents of allowing smoking in casinos argue that it is a crucial revenue source for the struggling industry. According to a report by the American Gaming Association, up to 25% of casino revenue comes from smokers. With many casinos in neighboring states allowing smoking, there is concern that New Jersey could lose customers if the ban remains in place.
On the other side of the debate are health advocates who argue that allowing smoking in casinos puts both employees and patrons at risk. Secondhand smoke has been proven to cause a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. The pandemic has only heightened concerns about air quality and the potential for respiratory transmission of the virus in enclosed spaces.
The issue has divided lawmakers and casino operators. In a recent hearing before the state Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, casino executives argued that smoking is essential for their businesses to thrive. They pointed to the declining revenues of non-smoking casinos in other states as evidence that a ban would hurt the industry.
However, health advocates pushed back, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing public health over profits. They cited studies showing that non-smoking casinos can be just as profitable as those that allow smoking, and urged legislators to consider the well-being of both workers and patrons.
The battle over smoking in New Jersey casinos is far from over. As the state continues to recover from the pandemic, the debate is likely to intensify. Lawmakers will have to weigh the economic interests of the casino industry against the public health concerns raised by advocates. In the end, the decision may have far-reaching consequences for the future of gaming in Atlantic City.