Our state's casino workers have been caught in the middle of a heated debate for years, and now Governor Mikie Sherrill is calling on lawmakers to bring this long-running dispute to a close.
In a recent interview with the Press of Atlantic City, Sherrill stopped short of taking a firm position on whether smoking should be banned in Atlantic City's nine casinos. Instead, she emphasized the urgent need for legislative action while litigation continues to wind through the courts.
"I've heard from workers on both sides," the governor acknowledged, recognizing the complexity of an issue that pits worker health against economic concerns. Her stated priority: protecting worker safety while preserving jobs and supporting our state's continued economic growth.
Workers Demand Change
At the heart of this debate is Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, known as CEASE. This grassroots coalition of casino workers has spent years fighting for smoke-free workplaces in all Atlantic City gaming facilities. Their advocacy even extended to last year's gubernatorial race, where they pressed candidates including Sherrill to support their cause.
The workers' argument goes beyond simple preference. CEASE members contend their state constitutional rights are being violated, citing New Jersey's constitutional guarantee that all individuals possess inalienable rights to pursue and obtain safety and happiness. This constitutional argument has appeared in several bills introduced earlier this year.
The current situation stems from the 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, which granted casinos a special exemption allowing up to 25% of gaming floors to permit smoking. However, the law doesn't require physical barriers separating smoking areas, meaning secondhand smoke frequently drifts into supposedly smoke-free zones.
Industry Pushes Back
Atlantic City casinos, represented by the Casino Association of New Jersey, are fighting to maintain indoor smoking privileges. Their concern centers on competition, particularly from Philadelphia casinos where smoking remains permitted at slot machines and table games.
The industry lobby argues that timing couldn't be worse for new restrictions. With three potential casino developments planned for downstate New York, they warn that banning smoking could drive visitors away from Atlantic City and threaten the local gaming industry that supports thousands of jobs.
A Changing Landscape
Ban supporters counter that the industry's fears are misplaced. They point to shifting demographics and changing habits across our communities. According to the American Lung Association, adult smoking rates have plummeted by 73% between 1965 and 2022, with even steeper declines among younger adults.
Advocates argue that going smoke-free could actually attract more visitors, particularly from the growing majority of non-smokers who might otherwise avoid casino environments.
As this debate continues in Trenton, casino workers remain on the front lines, breathing secondhand smoke while waiting for lawmakers to act. The governor's call for resolution signals that the time for a decision may finally be approaching—the question is whether legislators will prioritize worker health, economic concerns, or find a middle ground that addresses both.
