If you were hoping for cleaner, safe air in New Jersey’s casinos, you will be disappointed.
In a recent turn of events, a New Jersey judge has ruled that smoking can continue in Atlantic City casinos. This decision comes as a significant relief to the casino industry, which has been struggling financially, but it also represents a setback for casino workers who have been advocating for a smoke-free work environment.
The ruling was delivered by Superior Court Judge Patrick Bartels, who dismissed a lawsuit that sought to ban smoking on casino floors. The lawsuit was filed by casino workers concerned about the health risks associated with second-hand smoke. The state of New Jersey had previously banned indoor smoking nearly two decades ago, with an exception for 25% of casino floors, a rule that is also frequently flouted by some players who light up anywhere they please with impunity. Casino workers have been pushing for a change in this law for four years, but their efforts have been met with resistance from the industry.
Casino owners argue that a smoking ban would imperil the survival of casinos, lead to closures and layoffs, driving gamblers to neighboring states like Pennsylvania, and ultimately make the same workers who are complaining about the risks of secondhand smoke, unemployed. They also emphasize that New Jersey would lose millions of dollars in tax revenue. On the other hand, casino workers have long sought to breathe clean air on the job, citing health concerns as their primary motivation for the lawsuit.
The debate over smoking in casinos is not new, and it reflects a broader tension between public health and economic interests. Atlantic City’s casinos have faced a series of challenges in recent years, with the latest reports indicating a continued struggle to regain their pre-pandemic profitability.
In 2022, the collective gross operating profit of the city’s casinos saw a decline of 4.6% from the previous year, reflecting the ongoing impact of economic factors post-COVID-19. Despite efforts to revitalize the industry, including legislative measures to provide tax relief, the casinos are still grappling with financial pressures.
The decline of Atlantic City’s casinos can be attributed to several key factors. Initially, Atlantic City held a monopoly on East Coast gambling which drew tourists in droves. However, over time, this monopoly was lost as other states legalized gambling, leading to increased competition. Additionally, the city’s heavy reliance on gaming revenue without diversifying into other entertainment options like concerts and conventions meant it couldn’t attract a broader visitor base. Coupled with the loss of the monopoly is the rise of online gambling that provided a convenient alternative to physical casinos, further impacting their profits.
The casino workers’ legal team has pledged to appeal the decision, hoping to take the case to the state Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the casino industry is looking to develop better ventilation systems and enclosed smoking rooms staffed by volunteers to address health concerns.
