Mississippi may soon end indoor smoking in casinos, thanks to House Bill 361. Introduced by state Rep. Bryant Clark (D-Holmes County), the bill seeks to establish the Mississippi Smoke-Free Air Act of 2025. If approved, the state would join 17 others that have banned tobacco use in public buildings and workplaces.
The bill focuses on commercial riverboats and brick-and-mortar casinos. Currently, only two of the state’s commercial gaming venues are smoke-free: Island View Casino Resort’s Beach View Casino in Biloxi and Magnolia Bluffs Casino in Natchez. The three tribal casinos—operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians—also prohibit smoking indoors, a decision made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rep. Bryant Clark highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “There is undeniable evidence that creating 100% smoke-free environments is the most effective method to safeguard the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure.”
Health Concerns and Industry Growth Fuel the Debate
Mississippi faces significant health challenges, ranking 49th among U.S. states in overall health outcomes, according to the United Health Foundation. The absence of a statewide smoking ban further compounds these issues. Currently, only 30% of Mississippians benefit from smoke-free protections, compared to over 60% nationwide.
Additionally, the state’s casino and gaming sector is expanding. Mississippi boasts six commercial land-based casinos, 20 riverboats, and growing interest in new developments. Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has hinted at supporting a commercial casino project in the state capital, raising concerns about increased exposure to secondhand smoke.
Local ordinances have driven some progress, with many restaurants and bars voluntarily adopting smoke-free policies. However, the majority of casinos still allow smoking on their gaming floors, leaving workers and patrons vulnerable to health risks.
If enacted, the Mississippi Smoke-Free Air Act could significantly impact public health while aligning the state with broader national trends. As the debate continues, lawmakers must weigh health concerns against potential industry pushback to decide the future of smoking regulations in Mississippi.
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