A state judge has ruled in favor of casinos, but proponents of the ban promise to continue fight
Atlantic City’s casinos scored a significant victory on Friday when a judge ruled that smoking can continue on the casino floors. This decision offers a measure of relief to the city’s nine casinos, which have been struggling to recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling, delivered by Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels, was a setback for casino workers who have been advocating for a smoke-free environment for the past four years.
Workers had hoped that the courts would side with their demands for a healthier workplace. Their efforts included attempts to push for legislative changes and a lawsuit aimed at overturning New Jersey’s indoor smoking law, which allows smoking in casinos while banning it in most other workplaces. Despite their persistence, the judge dismissed their complaint, stating that the claim of a constitutional right to safety was not well-founded in law.
The casinos had warned that a smoking ban could result in significant job losses and a sharp decline in gambling revenue, which in turn could affect tax revenues that fund important state programs. Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino and the Casino Association of New Jersey, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He emphasized that the industry has taken steps to limit smoking to a small portion of the casino floors and that they are committed to working towards solutions that balance employee health concerns with the economic well-being of the industry.
Despite the ruling, the battle is far from over. Anti-smoking advocates, including casino workers, vowed to continue their fight. Lamont White, a Borgata dealer and leader of the anti-smoking movement, stated that the decision only strengthens the need for legislative action. The workers’ attorney, Nancy Erika Smith, also promised to appeal the ruling, criticizing the state for allowing what she described as the poisoning of workers for profit.
The issue of smoking in casinos remains a contentious one, not only in New Jersey but in other states like Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Virginia, where similar battles are being waged. Currently, smoking is permitted on 25% of the casino floors in Atlantic City, but the effects of secondhand smoke are felt throughout the gaming areas. Despite the court’s decision, the push for smoke-free casinos is likely to continue, with both sides remaining firmly entrenched in their positions.
