With legal challenges, legislative proposals, and shifting industry attitudes, the movement for smokefree gaming is gaining ground across the U.S. this year. Industry insiders, health advocates, and casino workers believe 2025 could mark a turning point in the effort to ban indoor smoking in gambling establishments.
Legal Fight in New Jersey Could Set a Precedent
A major constitutional challenge in New Jersey has the potential to reshape gaming regulations nationwide. Atlantic City casino employees, represented by attorney Nancy Erika Smith, are pushing to eliminate a state law that permits smoking on up to 25% of casino floors.
Smith argues that this exemption violates New Jersey’s constitution by denying casino workers the same health protections that cover employees in nearly every other workplace. The case, filed on behalf of United Auto Workers Region 9 and the advocacy group Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects (CEASE), has drawn national attention.
The New Jersey Appellate Court is expected to hear oral arguments soon, following written briefs submitted in December. A ruling in favor of the workers could trigger similar lawsuits in other states where casinos still allow smoking.
Tribal Casinos Leading the Smokefree Shift
Beyond legal battles, some casinos are taking voluntary steps to eliminate smoking indoors. Tribal gaming operators, in particular, are making bold moves.
- The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan will enforce a smokefree policy at its Ojibwa Casino locations in Baraga and Marquette starting March 24.
- The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan’s largest tribal nation, banned smoking in all five Kewadin casinos in November.
- Parx Casino in Pennsylvania, the state’s most profitable casino, has remained smokefree since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2021.
Casino operators say the changes have been well-received. “We’ve seen a significant increase in customer-satisfaction survey responses praising the smokefree environment,” said Marc Oppenheimer, Parx Casino’s chief marketing officer.
Growing Support from Gamblers and Industry Insiders
The push for smokefree casinos isn’t just coming from workers and health advocates—it’s also getting backing from influential voices within the gaming industry.
Slot influencer Brian Christopher, who has built a massive following on social media, has refused to make appearances at casinos that allow smoking for three years. He says his audience overwhelmingly prefers smokefree gaming and that even some industry executives secretly support his stance.
“These insiders all know it’s the right thing to do, but everyone’s afraid to say anything publicly,” Christopher said.
Casino representatives have privately encouraged him to continue advocating for smokefree gaming, suggesting that many in the industry recognize the shift is inevitable.
Key States Considering Legislative Action
Several states are poised to take action on smoking bans in casinos this year. Cynthia Hallett, president of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR), believes New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Kansas are the strongest candidates for passing new regulations.
Pennsylvania, she notes, may take longer, as its legislative effort still needs more backing. However, the fact that the state’s most profitable casino has already gone smokefree voluntarily suggests the industry might be shifting even without legal mandates.
According to ANR, 1,077 casinos and gaming properties across the U.S. have already adopted 100% smokefree indoor-air policies.
Industry’s Future: Will Smokefree Become the Norm?
As the push for clean-air gaming gains traction, the casino industry faces a crossroads. While some operators resist change, fearing potential revenue loss from smokers, others argue that the long-term benefits—healthier employees, happier non-smoking customers, and a modernized casino experience—far outweigh the risks.
Parx Casino has addressed concerns by adding a non-gaming smoking patio with easy access from the main floor. This compromise could be a model for other casinos looking to balance smoker accommodations with a broader shift toward clean-air environments.
The battle over smokefree gaming isn’t over, but 2025 could be the year that momentum finally tips in favor of change.
