Smoking ban reaches Atlantic City casinos

Smoking bans have already affected casinos and bingo halls in many countries.

Atlantic City is the latest venue to enforce a smoking ban on the gambling floors of its 11 casinos.  Special lounges will be set aside for gamblers who can’t give up their fags, but there will be absolutely no puffing at the blackjack or roulette tables.

The final vote is still to be taken to decide the issue once and for all in the New Jersey gaming capital.

Casino workers are one group that have been campaigning for a smoking ban.  They spend long hours in the smoke-filled gambling halls, ruining their health.  Bar workers and restaurant staff are no longer subjected to second-hand smoke in most states, and in much of Europe, smoking is also banned in places of entertainment. 

With the economy in its currently precarious state, casino workers are reluctant to leave the industry for something safer, but want a fair deal for the work force.

Casino owners are in two minds.  Fearful of losing customers to neighbouring states, where smoking is still accepted, they are conscious of the health risks and of their commitment to staff.

Many players are against the ban, since it is disruptive to play.  A player on a winning streak does not want to interrupt his flow, but neither is he willing to forego his cigarette. 

Last year, Atlantic City voted to enact a partial ban, where smokers’ rooms were supposed to be built with ventilation systems.  However, this law was not properly enforced, leading to the push for a total ban in the city’s casinos.