Atlantic City casino workers seeking a smoking ban on gaming floors plan to stage a protest along the Boardwalk later this month, coinciding with New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s appearance at a major industry conference.
The demonstration comes as debate continues over whether to end an exemption that allows indoor smoking in casinos under the state’s Smoke-Free Air Act.
Worker groups, including Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), are organizing the protest to take place during the governor’s scheduled remarks before casino operators and stakeholders as part of the East Coast Gaming Congress.
The action follows continued advocacy from employees who say workplace conditions expose them to secondhand smoke during shifts on gaming floors.
Governor points to legislative process
Casino workers and advocacy groups state that the performance of Atlantic City casinos has come with health consequences for employees. They point to ongoing exposure to indoor smoke and cite concerns related to respiratory risks and workplace safety.
Labor representatives have raised the issue in multiple forums, including a January 17, 2024, meeting in Egg Harbor Township, where State Sen. Vince Polistina met with union members supporting efforts to end indoor smoking in casinos.
Sherrill has called on the New Jersey Legislature to address the issue through legislation rather than relying on ongoing litigation. She indicated that resolving the matter would require hearings and a defined legislative timeline, adding that discussions with lawmakers are ongoing.
She stated that any outcome should consider both worker safety and employment stability, noting that some employees have expressed concern about potential business effects tied to a smoking ban.
However, she did not take a position for or against casino smoking.
The debate intensified following a court ruling in January, with the case moving through the legal system and a request submitted for review by the Supreme Court.
New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act, enacted in 2006, prohibits indoor smoking in most workplaces but includes an exemption for casino gaming floors. Worker advocates argue that this exemption leaves casino employees exposed to indoor smoke in their workplace. They also point to restrictions in other public areas, including beaches and boardwalks, where smoking is not permitted.
Operators cite potential revenue impact
Casino operators have raised concerns about the financial implications of a full smoking ban. They state that some patrons prefer to smoke while gambling and may shift activity to other jurisdictions if restrictions are imposed.
These concerns remain despite temporary smoking bans during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were lifted in 2021. Studies on the economic effects of such bans have produced mixed results.
Approaches to smoking in casinos differ across the United States. States including Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio require fully smoke-free indoor gaming environments. Other states, including Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, and Nevada, allow smoking or designated areas, though some are considering legislative changes.
In addition, some tribal casinos have adopted smoke-free policies voluntarily, even where exemptions apply.
Legislative action remains pending
Legislation to remove the casino exemption has been introduced in both the New Jersey General Assembly and Senate with bipartisan support, but has not advanced to final passage.
Worker advocates state that delays in legislative action leave employees exposed to ongoing health risks, while also pointing to political barriers that have prevented a vote.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/04/06/118425-atlantic-city-casino-workers-against-smoking-plan-boardwalk-protest-during-governor-conference
