New Jersey Assembly to Debate Casino Smoking Ban

Will It Prompt Gamblers to Shift to Casinos in Neighboring States?

A pivotal hearing is scheduled for November 30th by the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee to discuss a bill aiming to revoke the current exemption allowing smoking in state casinos. The meeting will address the proposed ban along with 10 other bills.

This move, backed by six of the eight committee members, seeks to fully ban smoking inside New Jersey casinos, overturning a 2006 law that currently permits smoking on 25% of casino floors. Governor Phil Murphy has expressed readiness to sign the bill, confirmed by his spokesperson.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin noted the likelihood of the bill being considered in the Legislature’s post-election, lame-duck session.

The proposed ban faces opposition from casino owners and union leaders, citing potential financial losses, job cuts, and competitiveness concerns; it may drive gamblers to patronize casinos in nearby states. Unite Here Local 54, representing casino workers, also opposes the ban, fearing negative economic impacts on Atlantic City and New Jersey.

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