Nevada gaming officials are under pressure from anti-smoking advocates to address the issue of smoking inside casinos and gambling establishments. Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights penned an open letter to the Nevada Gaming Commission, criticizing the industry for allowing indoor smoking while promoting responsible gambling initiatives during Responsible Gaming Education Month in September.
“While we applaud (the gaming industry’s) commitment to responsible gaming, a major blind spot remains because too many casinos continue to allow indoor smoking at their properties,” ANR’s letter stated. The organization believes that allowing smoking on gaming floors not only poses health risks to workers and patrons but also encourages addictive behavior and prolonged gambling sessions without breaks, which contradicts responsible gaming principles.
The group urged Nevada gambling regulators to consider how indoor smoking undermines commitments to responsible gaming and how implementing smoke-free policies can promote a healthier environment for all. The letter was directed to NGC chair Jennifer Togliatti, who refrained from commenting on the matter due to policy considerations.
U.S. Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada did not indicate whether she would support a casino smoking ban but suggested that if Culinary Union Local 226, representing thousands of casino workers, were to advocate for it, lawmakers in Carson City may take action. The Culinary Union reiterated its support for policies protecting workers but did not explicitly address a complete smoking ban in casinos.
ANR’s plea cited the National Council on Problem Gaming’s endorsement of ending smoking in casinos, pointing to research linking gambling severity to smoking frequency and nicotine dependency. The nonprofit organization has been a vocal opponent of smoking in casinos, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is clear that the issue of smoking in casinos remains a contentious topic, with various stakeholders weighing in on the matter. As the debate continues, the health and well-being of workers and patrons in gaming establishments hang in the balance.