Nevada gaming officials are facing pressure from anti-smoking advocates to ban smoking in casinos and gambling establishments. Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights recently sent an open letter to the Nevada Gaming Commission criticizing the industry for allowing indoor smoking while promoting responsible gambling initiatives.
In the letter, ANR stated, “Allowing smoking on gaming floors not only poses significant health risks to workers and patrons alike, it also undermines responsible gaming by encouraging addictive behavior as well as prolonged gambling sessions without taking breaks.” The group urged regulators to consider how indoor smoking contradicts efforts to promote responsible gambling and create a healthier environment.
NGC chair Jennifer Togliatti responded to the letter by stating that policy matters and rule changes are discussed in public meetings in accordance with Nevada’s open meeting laws. U.S. Rep. Dina Titus, whose district includes the Las Vegas Strip corridor, did not express support or opposition to a casino smoking ban but suggested that lawmakers may take action if the Culinary Union Local 226, which represents casino workers, gets involved.
The Culinary Union reiterated its support for policies that protect workers but did not address a complete smoking ban in casinos. The National Council on Problem Gaming also supports ending smoking in casinos, citing research that links gambling severity to smoking frequency and nicotine dependency.
ANR, a California-based nonprofit organization, has been actively campaigning against smoking in casinos, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The group believes that banning smoking in casinos is essential to promoting responsible gambling and creating a healthier environment for all.