A recent ruling by a New Jersey judge has upheld the legality of smoking inside Atlantic City’s casinos, as reported by the Associated Press. Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels made the decision in response to a lawsuit initiated by The United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents dealers at Bally’s, Tropicana, and Caesars casinos.
Legal Battle Over Smoking Ban
The UAW filed the lawsuit to challenge the existing law that allows smoking on the gaming floors of Atlantic City’s nine casinos. However, they faced opposition from the Local 54 of the Unite Here union, which represents other casino workers, and New Jersey’s attorney general. Both parties requested the dismissal of the lawsuit, arguing that a smoking ban could lead to significant job losses.
Local 54 contended in their motion to the state Superior Court that prohibiting smoking could endanger the livelihoods of nearly one-third of their 10,000 members. They claim that banning smoking in casinos might result in job losses, leaving many without the means to support their families.
Ongoing Debate and Worker Concerns
The debate over indoor smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos has been ongoing for more than three years. Casino employees have consistently raised concerns about the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, arguing for a complete ban on smoking within these establishments.
New Jersey’s indoor smoking ban, in effect since 2006, includes exceptions for casinos and simulcasting facilities, a provision that has faced increasing resistance from casino workers. Presently, smoking is allowed on 25% of Atlantic City’s gaming floors, but the lack of containment in these areas often causes smoke to drift into nonsmoking sections.
The issue gained renewed attention after temporary bans during the Covid-19 pandemic were lifted in July 2021. Following the lifting of these bans, casino employees began advocating for a permanent statewide prohibition on smoking in casinos.
Despite the recent legal setback, the fight for a smoking ban continues. Lamont White, a Borgata dealer and leader of the anti-smoking movement, emphasized the ongoing commitment to the cause, stating, “While today’s outcome is disappointing, our determination remains unshaken.”
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