Published on: May 15, 2026, 12:19h.
Updated on: May 15, 2026, 12:19h.
- Efforts to prohibit smoking in Atlantic City casinos are still in progress
- Atlantic City gaming establishments contend that a smoking prohibition could lead to loss of revenue and employment
For years, advocates for smoke-free environments have campaigned to eliminate smoking in Atlantic City casinos, but their chances of success appear slim at present.
New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006 allows the nine casinos in Atlantic City to allocate up to 25% of their gaming spaces for smoking. A grassroots group named CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) has been advocating for legislative change since its creation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic when smoking indoors was temporarily suspended.
Many lawmakers in Trenton have voiced support for CEASE’s initiative to make Atlantic City casinos completely smoke-free; however, Democratic leadership has been criticized for delaying pertinent legislation. Despite prior bills gathering sufficient co-sponsors in the Assembly and Senate to advance, they were reportedly shelved after casino operators argued that a smoking ban could result in decreased revenue and loss of thousands of jobs.
With three casinos in development in New York City, Atlantic City’s casino operators claim they need every edge to combat impending competition.
Can Public Health Officials Gain Support from Democratic Leaders?
The detrimental impacts of secondhand smoke are widely acknowledged. The CDC emphasizes that there is no safe exposure level to residual smoke, placing casino workers’ health at risk daily.
During its recent meeting, New Jersey’s Public Health Council urged Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington to push for the closure of the casino smoking exemption.
There is a provision in the law that permits designated areas within casinos for smoking. I would like the commissioner, backed by a council recommendation, to provide insights on this and potentially prompt action from the legislature or the governor, or both,” shared Paul Roman, vice chair of the council.
The council subsequently passed a resolution requesting Washington’s input on the casino smoking issue.
“There have been numerous disputes and legal battles. The situation remains unresolved,” Roman noted.
The Public Health Council is designated to ensure the public’s health is reasonably protected. It was established and financed under the state’s Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977.
New York City Casinos Implement a Smoke-Free Environment
New York mandates that its casinos, racetracks, and off-track betting venues maintain a completely smoke-free atmosphere. This means no smoking will be permitted inside Resorts World New York City, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, or Bally’s Bronx.
The impact of the NYC casinos on Atlantic City will unfold in the ensuing years. However, with the Bronx and Queens being not easily accessible from North Jersey, the effects may be less pronounced for establishments along the New Jersey coast.
Maintaining smoking areas could retain casino patrons who prefer to smoke while playing on slots and gaming tables.