Pennsylvania Sports Betting Update: Bill to Prohibit Casino Smoking Gains Traction
Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a bill that would close the indoor smoking loophole afforded to casinos in 2008. The proposed legislation, House Bill 1657, has passed the House Health Committee and is moving to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The measure, introduced by Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), aims to make the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos smoke-free and eliminate indoor smoking in private clubs and bars where alcohol generates most of the revenue. The party line vote in the committee reflects contentious opinions on the issue, signaling fierce debate ahead. The bill’s passage would be historic, but its future remains uncertain as it faces a tough battle in the Republican-controlled state Senate. As Pennsylvania’s gaming industry closely monitors this development’s impact on revenue, we will continue to track its progress in the coming weeks.