Casino Smoking Bans for Kansas and Missouri? • This Week in Gambling

Casino smoking bans have found their way to the desks of lawmakers in Kansas and Missouri, and public health concerns are pushing the momentum for new policies. This is all being backed by groups like the Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, or CEASE, as they like to be called. And while this may have the best of intentions, any legislation passed would include an exemption for tribal casinos.

The proposed casino smoking bans have sparked a wave of mixed reactions from both patrons and industry professionals. While some casino-goers oppose the measure, claiming that casinos are adult-only spaces where smoking should remain permissible, others support the change, citing concerns over the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Opponents of the ban argue that such restrictions could drive away customers, asserting that smoking is an integral part of the casino experience for some patrons.

On the other hand, proponents of the ban point to the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, advocating for a cleaner, safer environment for all. Casino operators have also voiced concerns about the potential financial impact of the ban. Jeff Morris, Vice President of Public Affairs at Penn Entertainment, which operates Hollywood Casino and Argosy Casino in Missouri, expressed reservations about the proposal. He highlighted the company’s significant investments in advanced air filtration systems and the establishment of designated smoking areas, which were designed to address health concerns while maintaining a welcoming environment for all customers.

Mr. Morris noted that the real power in this situation rests with the players. “…at the end of the day on this issue rests with our customers who can vote with their pocketbooks if they feel like we’re not doing a good enough job catering to their needs. It’s a balance and one that we feel the marketplace should determine,” he stated, and emphasized that the industry is very competitive, and they must keep in mind other gaming facilities nearby and in neighboring states.

As the debate about casino smoking bans intensifies, Missouri lawmakers are set to reconvene on January 8, 2025, with Kansas lawmakers following suit on January 13. In the meantime, the folks at CEASE announced plans for advocacy days, with events scheduled for January 21 in Kansas and February 3 in Missouri, aimed at lobbying for the passage of the smoking ban bills in both states.

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