Published on: January 6, 2026, at 09:18h.
Updated on: January 6, 2026, at 09:25h.
- During the 2026 session, Pennsylvania legislators continue to advocate for a smoking prohibition in casinos.
- Republican lawmakers have generally aligned with casino operators, arguing that a smoking ban could lead to job losses.
The commencement of the 2026 Pennsylvania General Assembly session reignites the conversation about indoor smoking regulations in casinos.
The Clean Indoor Air Act of Pennsylvania, enacted in 2008, allows designated indoor areas for smoking in licensed gaming venues, permitting up to 50% of gaming space for tobacco use.
House Bill 880, presented by state Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) last April, aims to modify the 2008 act by eliminating the casino exemption. The bill has attracted support from 23 co-sponsors, all of whom are Democrats.
This proposal smoothly passed through the House Health Committee, chaired by Frankel, in October but encountered delays in the Senate. Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) is also advocating companion measures to revise the Clean Indoor Air Act, mandating outdoor smoking for casino patrons.
Significant Resistance
Casino representatives argue that prohibiting smoking could significantly impact revenue, employment, and tax contributions. Republicans largely align with the casino industry’s opposition to the smoking ban.
However, anti-smoking advocates contend that smoking no longer serves as a revenue booster for casinos. They highlight Parx Casino in Bensalem, north of Philadelphia, which has chosen a smoke-free environment and remains the most profitable in the state.
Even if a smoking ban might hurt profits, advocates emphasize that the health of employees should take precedence over financial gains.
According to Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR), secondhand smoke is linked to serious health issues and even mortality, with smoke-filled casinos exhibiting some of the highest toxic air levels.
Furthermore, the ANR points out that Black workers and women are statistically more vulnerable to chronic health problems, including heart and lung diseases and various cancers. They urge state lawmakers to back HB880.
The ANR also supports the CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) initiative in Pennsylvania, which has expanded to New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, Kansas, Nevada, and Michigan.
Smoke-Free Gaming Options
Several states, including Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and South Dakota, feature smoke-free casinos.
Smoking rates in the U.S. are on a downward trend. The American Lung Association reports that only 11% of American adults smoke, a significant decline from over 42% in 1965 and half of the 22% rate from 2002.
Conversely, Pennsylvania’s smoking rate stands at 14.9%, surpassing the national average. In comparison, Utah records the lowest rate at 6.7%, and West Virginia the highest at 21%.
“Cigarette smoking is the primary preventable cause of death in the U.S., responsible for nearly half a million fatalities annually,” states the American Lung Association.