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Atlantic City casino workers and public health advocates ramped up pressure on Gov. Mikie Sherrill this week, rallying outside the East Coast Gaming Congress and calling for action to close New Jersey’s longstanding casino smoking loophole.
The demonstration coincided with the 20th anniversary of the state’s Smoke-Free Air Act – legislation that exempted Atlantic City casinos from indoor smoking restrictions. Despite the timing and the protest outside, Sherrill did not address the issue during her keynote speech to gaming industry leaders, according to organizers.
Workers highlight health risks, legislative inaction
Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) members said the lack of progress has left workers exposed to harmful conditions for decades. Lamont White, a longtime Atlantic City worker and CEASE co-founder, said:
“For two decades, New Jersey law has treated our lives as less valuable than the rest of the workforce in this state.”
White criticized the state’s reliance on legislative discussions without tangible results, noting that workers have repeatedly traveled to Trenton to testify about health concerns tied to secondhand smoke exposure. He added that employees are increasingly frustrated with the pace of change:
“We will no longer accept being the only workers in New Jersey left behind to breathe toxic air.”
Legal battle heads toward NJ Supreme Court
The renewed push comes as the issue may soon be decided in court. The New Jersey Supreme Court recently issued a stay on lower court proceedings in a lawsuit filed by CEASE and the United Auto Workers, signaling it may take up the case and weigh the constitutionality of the casino smoking exemption.
Advocates argue the carve-out violates workers’ rights to equal protection under state law, while lawmakers have yet to pass legislation that would eliminate indoor smoking in casinos.
Public support and regional competition grow
Public health leaders say momentum is building both politically and economically to end the policy.
“Smoke-free makes common sense,” said Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, citing polling that shows 83% of voters support smoke-free casino legislation.
Hallett also pointed to Pennsylvania venues, including Parx, as examples of properties that have maintained strong revenue without allowing indoor smoking. With new properties planned in New York City, she warned Atlantic City risks falling behind if it maintains what advocates call an outdated policy.
Health advocates stress urgency
Medical professionals at the rally underscored the health consequences of secondhand smoke exposure.
Johanna Rochat, an oncology nurse and advocate with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said the dangers are well established.
“We know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that secondhand smoke causes cancer.”
A renewed call for legislative action
Despite bipartisan support for closing the loophole, legislation has stalled in recent years. Advocates say the combination of public backing, legal pressure, and increased competition could force action.
Sherrill did address the issue last month, stating the fix needed to come through the Legislature.
For now, workers say they will continue to push both lawmakers and the governor to address what they view as a long-overdue workplace safety issue.
