Published on: March 25, 2026, 08:59h.
Updated on: March 25, 2026, 08:59h.
- Challenges Persist for Missouri’s Casino Smoking Ban Legislation
- Kansas’ Bill to Curb Secondhand Smoke in Casinos Has Failed
As the legislative deadline approaches, the prospects for a smoke-free environment in Missouri casinos look increasingly slim.
Currently, Missouri permits commercial casinos to allow indoor smoking. They can allocate up to 30% of their gaming floor for tobacco use, though smoking is restricted outside designated areas.
House Bill 1618 aims to revise the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act of 1993 by eliminating the casino smoking exemption. The bill faces significant challenges if it hopes to be enacted this year as the legislative session in Jefferson City approaches its conclusion.
Missouri Casino Smoking Policy
Earlier in 2026, Missouri lawmakers appeared determined to impose a smoke-free policy on its 13 casinos. HB1618 received bipartisan support, championed by state Rep. Bruce Sassmann (R-Montgomery) along with two other Republicans and four Democrats.
Although HB1618 was presented on the House floor twice in January, it has not yet been assigned to a committee for review. With the Missouri General Assembly set to adjourn on May 15, the likelihood of this bill succeeding this year seems quite low.
Among Missouri’s neighboring states with commercial or tribal casinos, only Illinois and Nebraska enforce smoke-free gaming. On the other hand, casinos in Arkansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma allow smoking.
Kansas Smoking Legislation Fails
In Kansas, all four state casinos permit smoking throughout the gaming floor. Senate Bill 176 aimed to amend the Kansas Clean Air Act of 2010 to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure at Boot Hill, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas Crossing, and Kansas Star.
However, Kansas Senate Bill 176 has remained inactive since February after being referred to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs, where it was introduced by state Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Johnson).
Additionally, a supporting bill in the Kansas House, backed by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, has also stalled. House Bill 2252 has been awaiting action in the House Committee on Health and Human Services since February.
Despite the Kansas Legislature not adjourning until April 10, both SB176 and HB2252 are unlikely to progress this year, as they did not transition to the other chamber by the crossover deadline of February 19.
Kansas neighbors Missouri and Oklahoma, where casino smoking remains permitted. Tribes in Oklahoma possess the autonomy to decide their own indoor smoking regulations due to their status as sovereign entities.
Smoking Statistics
Both Missouri and Kansas exhibit higher smoking rates relative to the national average.
The American Lung Association indicates that 16.8% of adults in Missouri and 14.5% in Kansas smoke, significantly surpassing the national average of 11.6%.
Annually, about 490,000 individuals die from tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure, making it the primary cause of preventable deaths in the United States.