AC Casino Workers Seek Smoking Ban as NY Grants Casino Licenses

Atlantic City casino workers have appealed to a court to ban smoking in the city's casinos, coinciding with New York's decision to grant licenses to three new casinos. The workers, supported by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and organized under Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), argue that the current exemption allowing smoking in casinos violates the New Jersey Constitution by granting special favors to corporations.

The lawsuit, initially filed in April 2024, contends that the Smoke-Free Air Act's exemption for casinos infringes on workers' rights to a safe work environment. In August 2024, Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels ruled in favor of the casinos, stating that the exemption does not violate the constitution since casino employees are aware of the smoking conditions when they choose to work there. However, the UAW and CEASE have appealed this decision, and a three-judge appellate panel in Trenton is currently reviewing the case.

The push for a smoking ban comes as New York State awarded licenses to Bally's in the Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park near Citi Field, and Resorts World near the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. These new casinos are expected to increase competition for Atlantic City's gambling industry. While there is bipartisan support for ending the smoking exemption in New Jersey, some Democratic leaders have been accused of delaying votes to protect casino interests, which argue that a smoking ban could lead to job losses as smokers might choose to gamble in Philadelphia casinos where smoking is permitted.

New Jersey Governor-elect Miki Sherrill has expressed support for making Atlantic City casinos smoke-free. The appellate court's decision is anticipated in the coming weeks, which could significantly impact the future of smoking policies in Atlantic City casinos.