ANR sends open letter to NGC regarding casino smoking ban
The group claims non-smoking facilities go hand-in-handle with RG efforts.
Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) has sent an open letter to the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) to push for a smoking ban in the state’s casinos, according to a Las Vegas Review-Journal news report.
The group drew a connection between restricting indoor smoking and responsible gambling affirmation and asked the commission to “examine the ways that indoor smoking undermines commitments to responsible gaming, and how adopting smokefree policies can both promote responsible gaming and ensure a healthier environment.”
ANR wrote in its open letter, “While we applaud (the gaming industry’s) commitment to responsible gaming, a major blind spot remains because too many casinos continue to allow indoor smoking at their properties.
“Allowing smoking on gaming floors not only poses significant health risks to workers and patrons alike, it also undermines responsible gaming by encouraging addictive behavior as well as prolonged gambling sessions without taking breaks – a fundamental tenet of responsible play.”
NGC Chair Jennifer Togliatti issued a statement in response to ANR’s letter and said, “The Commission considers policy matters and rule changes in public meetings pursuant to Nevada’s open meeting laws.
“As one member of a five-person Commission, I am unable to speak to policy matters on behalf of the Commission, and any conversation I would have with other Commissioners must comply with Nevada’s open meeting laws. Therefore, I cannot comment on this matter.”
Nevada is not the only state engaged in this debate. Atlantic City casino employees have worked for more than three years to put a smoking ban in place, claiming that indoor casino smoking put their health at risk.
Indoor smoking has been banned in New Jersey since 2006. However, the current laws on the books make room for smoking in casinos and in simulcasting facilities, an allowance casino employees have pushed back against for more than three years.
Currently, smoking is allowed in Atlantic City’s casinos on 25% of the gaming floor. These spaces are not designed to contain smoke, causing it to waft into other areas of the casino.
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