Indoor casino smoking will face increased legislative scrutiny across multiple states in 2025, with potential bans being considered in several jurisdictions where commercial gambling is legal. Currently, 15 states still permit indoor smoking in their gaming facilities.

CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects), backed by the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation (ANRF), is spearheading efforts to eliminate smoking in commercial casinos. The organization, which began in New Jersey, has expanded to include chapters in Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

Key states likely to consider anti-smoking legislation in 2025 include:

• New Jersey
• Kansas
• Missouri

According to CDC findings:

• There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke
• Designated smoking areas are largely ineffective
• Most air filtration systems fail to provide adequate protection

Recent health statistics reveal:

• Over 19,000 annual deaths are attributed to secondhand smoke exposure
• Nearly 500,000 people die yearly in the U.S. from cigarette smoking
• Less than 20% of adults now smoke, yet tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death

Casino industry representatives argue that smoking bans negatively impact business and employment, though research findings vary depending on the source. The U.S. Surgeon General's report specifically identifies casino workers as being at increased health risk due to prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke in their workplace.

"Casino workers have waited far too long to be afforded the same protections as other workers," states Pete Naccarelli, CEASE co-founder, noting many colleagues now require medical intervention or face serious health issues after working in smoke-filled environments.

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