Proposed Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban
3/9/23 Update: The 2/13/23 meeting was held and both sides discussed the issues but the bill was not voted on. There are additional steps to take including clearance by committees in both the Senate and the Assembly. This joint hearing will be held on Thursday, March 10th and if the bill then passes a full vote, it will go to Governor Murphy’s office to be signed into law.
Credit: CBS News Philadelphia/CBS Staff 3/9/23
Smoking in casinos has long been a contentious subject for New Jersey and Atlantic City lawmakers. For many, smoking and drinking go hand-in-hand with gambling. Others feel that smoking affects the health of non-smoking guests and casino workers and should be banned, so the question is . . . can I still smoke in Atlantic City casinos? The answer is yes, for now.
The Senior Citizens Committee and Senate Health & Human Services groups plan to meet on February 13th in Trenton with legislators to discuss a proposed bill. If this bill is approved, it would prohibit smoking inside Atlantic City Casinos and casino operators are afraid it would cost jobs and revenue.
Currently smoking is allowed in no more than 25% of the casino floor, but proponents of the bill say that a number of casino workers are pushing for a total ban citing that working in the smoking areas is taking a toll on their health. The February 13th discussion is to address how this bill, if approved, would affect the casino industry as well as customers and employees.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has promised to sign the bill if it passes the Legislature.
For now you can still smoke in Atlantic City casinos, however smoking locations on the casino floors are limited. Here is a list of 10 Best Hotels with Smoking Rooms in the city. Check before you book though because legislation could change at any time!
