Atlantic City Casino Workers Urge Indoor Smoking Ban

Those opposed to smoking in indoor casinos in Atlantic City and all of New Jersey are urging Gov. Phil Murphy (D) to use his remaining months in office to support legislation that would end indoor tobacco use on casino gaming floors.

CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) is urging the former Goldman Sachs executive to take action. The grassroots organization says that smoke-free policies are beneficial — not detrimental — for casinos. More importantly, they protect casino workers and guests.

Since taking office, Murphy has stated that he would sign a bill to end smoking in Atlantic City casinos if the legislation arrived at his desk. But critics of the lame duck governor say he's unwilling to carry the torch to the finish line, bowing to pressures from the casino industry and special interest groups.

“Gov. Murphy can and should push for bills that he and his administration have committed to prioritizing — like 100% smoke-free air in casinos,” said Pete Naccarelli, a Borgata table game dealer and a CEASE co-founder, to Casino.org. “Casino workers have been fighting for the last five years to close the loophole in New Jersey's Clean Indoor Act and extend smoke-free protections to casino workers. Now, Gov. Murphy only has a few months left to show them his support.”

In 2006, New Jersey's legislature passed an indoor smoking law that created a “carveout” for casinos, allowing them to designate up to 25% of their gaming space for cigarettes and cigars. This statute, however, doesn't force casinos to keep smoking sections in designated areas with separate ventilation systems.

According to a study published in April by the Washington-based polling firm Normington Petts, 83% of voters in Southern New Jersey want Atlantic City casinos to go smoke-free. Close to 60% of respondents said they “strongly” favor eliminating secondhand smoke from the resorts. Those representing the casino industry, however, say that a smoking ban would reduce in-person revenue.

The race to succeed Murphy is heating up, with Democrat Miki Sherrill seen as the frontrunner against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Neither candidate has publicly addressed the smoking issue in Atlantic City casinos.