Kansas and Missouri Lawmakers Aim to Prohibit Smoking in State-Owned Casinos

Proposed Ban Targets Public Health and Workplace Safety

Kansas and Missouri legislators are introducing measures to ban smoking in state-owned casinos starting in 2025. The initiative highlights public health concerns and reflects the growing trend of smoke-free workplace policies.

Advocacy Groups Support the Legislation

Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) is championing the proposed ban, which would exclude tribal casinos like Kansas City’s 7th Street Casino due to their sovereign status.

Joe Hafley, founder of CEASE Kansas and Missouri, emphasized the widespread backing for the proposal: “85% of Kansans and Missourians do not smoke. We have strong support from groups like the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and Americans for Non-Smokers’ Rights.”

Mixed Responses from Patrons and Operators

The smoking ban has elicited varied reactions. While some casino-goers arzimasks.com best-restaurants-in-marrakech.com capitalator.com cyclehousefamily.com dowdingshop.com welcome the focus on reducing secondhand smoke, others argue that smoking bans could deter clientele in adult-only venues.

Jeff Morris, Vice President of Public Affairs at Penn Entertainment, voiced concerns about the economic impact. “We’ve made significant investments in air filtration systems and separate smoking areas. Ultimately, the market should determine the best approach in a competitive environment,” Morris stated.

Legislative Timelines and Advocacy Events

Missouri lawmakers will reconvene on January 8, 2025, with Kansas legislators following on January 13. CEASE has scheduled advocacy days on January 21 in Kansas and February 3 in Missouri to rally support for the proposed legislation.

Aligning with a Broader National Movement

The efforts in Kansas and Missouri mirror national trends. In Atlantic City, casino workers recently protested to eliminate smoking exemptions, urging action to protect employees from secondhand smoke exposure.

Hafley, a long-time advocate, underscored the health risks faced by casino staff: “Secondhand smoke sticks to their clothes, and they take it home to their families. It’d be a relief not to have to shower immediately after work just to get rid of the smoke.”

The push for smoke-free casinos may gain momentum, contributing to a larger shift in protecting workers across the gaming industry.