Pennsylvania Advances Bill to Ban Smoking in Casinos

Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are closer than ever to closing a long-standing loophole that allows smoking in casinos, certain bars, and private clubs. The House Health Committee voted 22-4 to advance House Bill 880, better known as the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act.

Good to Know

• The bill updates the 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act to include vaping and e-cigarettes.
• Casinos, private clubs, and select bars are the main venues affected.
• Parx Casino has already gone smoke-free and supports similar standards statewide.

Sponsored by Representative Dan Frankel, the proposal removes exemptions that for years allowed indoor smoking on casino floors and inside some hospitality venues. Frankel, who has pushed the reform for several sessions, said the goal is simple — to protect employees from secondhand smoke without exceptions.

If approved, the bill would extend the clean-air policy to modern tobacco products like vapes and e-cigarettes, which were not covered under the 2008 law. Private clubs could still permit smoking, but only if both members and employees vote to reaffirm the decision every two years.

Casinos have become the focal point of the debate. Parx Casino in Bucks County voluntarily adopted a smoke-free policy during the pandemic and never looked back. Management said employees reported fewer health complaints, while guests appreciated the cleaner air.

If the bill passes, all Pennsylvania casinos would be required to match Parx’s policy, a move advocates say would finally give gaming staff the same protections as other indoor workers.

The bill now moves to the House floor, while a companion version continues through the Senate. Supporters argue the reform is long overdue, while opponents warn about potential drops in casino revenue.

Not Just Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s proposal follows similar moves in other states. Rhode Island, for example, voted in June to end casino exemptions under its workplace smoking ban. The measure, introduced by Representative V. Susan Sosnowski, eliminates the carve-out for gambling venues but allows enclosed smoking lounges with dedicated ventilation systems.

Sosnowski, who authored the state’s original workplace safety law more than two decades ago, said the goal remains consistent — to ensure all workers can breathe clean air. The law includes a delayed start date of July 1, 2027, giving casinos time to adjust operations.

Bally’s Corporation, which operates the Twin River and Tiverton casinos, initially opposed a full ban, citing revenue risks. However, the company later supported the compromise, calling it a fair balance between public health and customer preference. The measure now awaits final approval from the governor, following years of campaigning by casino employees who demanded smoke-free working conditions.

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