Atlantic City casino workers are urging New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to address the casino smoking issue during his 2025 State of the State Address. The workers, represented by CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects), want the governor to push lawmakers to eliminate the smoking loophole that currently exists in New Jersey's casinos.

The current New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, enacted in 2006, exempts casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games from the smoking ban. While Murphy has expressed support for smoke-free casinos, he hasn't actively pressured the Democratic-controlled Legislature to advance relevant legislation.

Two bills addressing this issue - Assembly Bill 2143 and Senate Bill 3372 - have been introduced but remain stalled in committee. Casino industry representatives argue that a smoking ban would harm revenue and jobs, but CEASE disputes these claims, citing successful smoke-free operations like Pennsylvania's Parx Casino.

Lamont White, CEASE co-founder and Borgata table games dealer, emphasizes that Murphy's legacy depends on addressing this issue before leaving office. The organization formed after Murphy's temporary COVID-19 smoking ban expired in summer 2021.

CEASE points to independent studies suggesting smoke-free policies benefit rather than harm casino business. They argue that with the Senate set to meet and growing momentum around the issue, now is the crucial time for leadership on casino smoking regulations.

The governor's State of the State Address, scheduled for 3 pm today, marks his seventh such address and his second-to-last as governor due to term limits. Casino workers hope this platform will be used to finally advance meaningful change in workplace smoking policies.

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