The economic consequences of prohibiting smoking within Atlantic City’s casinos have significantly lessened, based on recent insights from a research organization. This group had previously cautioned that such a ban could result in substantial job losses and decreased revenue.
Updating its stance since the 2022 assessment, Spectrum Gaming Group stated last week that the potential repercussions of a smoking prohibition in casino environments—whether mandated by law or adopted voluntarily—“have diminished over the years.”
This revision mirrors wider industry patterns and changes in social norms. The U.S. adult smoking prevalence fell to 11.6% in 2022, a decrease of over 50% since 2006, according to the American Lung Association. Furthermore, casinos have enhanced their facilities for smokers, providing outdoor gaming spaces and patios, while pandemic-related restrictions have helped customers acclimatize to more rigorous health measures.
A 2022 report from Spectrum, commissioned by the Casino Association of New Jersey, had anticipated that Atlantic City casinos might forfeit nearly 11% of their revenue and potentially up to 2,500 jobs if a comprehensive smoking ban was enforced. The firm now acknowledges that these forecasts originated from certain assumptions—particularly that adjacent Pennsylvania casinos would continue to permit indoor smoking, thereby placing New Jersey casinos at a competitive disadvantage.
In a webinar held on May 20, Spectrum also highlighted that “variations among individual casinos may be of greater significance than smoking versus smoke-free environments,” drawing upon instances in Pennsylvania. After the lifting of pandemic restrictions, some establishments, including Parx and Rivers, chose to remain entirely smoke-free, whereas others reinstated smoking options.
Casino employees and anti-smoking advocates advocating for a smoking ban in Atlantic City for over five years stated that the firm’s revised comments validate their long-standing arguments.
“Spectrum is finally acknowledging the reality: permitting indoor smoking in casinos doesn’t enhance revenues—transitioning to smoke-free does not negatively impact it,” said Pete Naccarelli, a table games dealer at Borgata and a co-founder of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE).
“The findings from the 2022 Spectrum report have consistently been flawed, collapsing under scrutiny,” he continued. “Over the past three years, Spectrum’s findings have unduly supported arguments against protecting workers from hazardous secondhand smoke, leading to the loss of too many colleagues.”
Efforts to impose a smoking ban in Atlantic City’s nine casinos have been stalled for years in the New Jersey Legislature. The latest bill passed through committee over a year ago, but no further progress has been made.
Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has announced his intention to approve a smoking ban if it arrives at his desk, although he has not actively motivated lawmakers to take action.
Cynthia Hallett, president of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, criticized the industry’s dependence on Spectrum’s earlier report. “It was an absurd premise three years ago, and it’s disgraceful that casino workers have faced consequences as a result,” she remarked. “The industry must now face the fact that secondhand smoke does not contribute to business success.”