Rhode Island legislators have approved a bill that eliminates the exemption permitting smoking in the state’s casinos, establishing a plan to eliminate smoking in gambling venues by July 1, 2027.
This legislation, backed by Rep. V. Susan Sosnowski, modifies the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act to extend the smoke-free workplace mandate to casino establishments.
The bill includes a revision that permits the creation of designated smoking lounges. These lounges are required to be sealed and feature ventilation systems that ensure smoke does not infiltrate smoke-free zones.
Sosnowski, who introduced the original workplace safety legislation more than two decades ago, emphasized that the intent of the bill is to safeguard the health of casino employees while acknowledging the vital role of gaming revenue for the state.
Initially, Sosnowski suggested a complete ban without any transition period; however, the finalized version allows a three-year delay to give casinos time to adjust. This extension was a compromise reached after concerns were raised by Bally’s Corporation, which operates the Twin River and Tiverton casinos. Bally’s expressed worries that an immediate ban could deter customers and impact their earnings.
Reactions from casino operators and concerns about revenue
In a statement provided to 12 News, Bally’s Corporation expressed appreciation for the legislature’s efforts to reconcile differing interests. The company noted its gratitude for the compromise, enabling it to continue serving smoking patrons in designated areas.
Bally’s lobbied against a total smoking ban, cautioning that such a prohibition might drive away patrons who prefer to smoke while gaming. The company is currently evaluating the future impact of the upcoming smoking restrictions, hoping that the inclusion of smoking lounges and the extended timeline will help lessen potential revenue declines.
The new legislation will still require the approval of Gov. Dan McKee to take effect.
Advocacy for employee health and the pandemic’s influence
Attempts to extend smoking restrictions to casinos have been persistent, driven primarily by casino employees advocating for this change due to health concerns in the workplace. These advocacy efforts gained momentum after the temporary suspension of indoor smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was lifted in March 2022 by the state’s casinos.
Workers and various advocacy groups contend that the dangers of secondhand smoke should not be tolerated in any work environment, including gambling venues. The new legislation indicates a move toward aligning casino regulations with broader public health standards that apply to other industries across the state.
If the law is enacted, Rhode Island casinos will have until mid-2027 to implement the changes mandated by the modified workplace safety law.