Twenty states already ban smoking in casinos, while in those that don’t, many major casino operators have kept smoking bans in place. If they want to work, they have to spend hours unable to avoid second-hand smoke When state governments and regulators put bans in place as casinos began to reopen around the country in 2020, many casinos found that they could get by just fine not allowing smoking.

The subject of smoking in casinos has garnered more attention during the pandemic. Pandemic brought attention to smoking in casinos “Even though only 12% of people in the United States smoke, some casinos continue to prioritize perceived profits from this dwindling group over the health of their workers,” Hallett added. Though gambling and smoking have historically been closely associated with one another, according to a June 2022 report by C3 Gaming, non-smoking casinos now tend to outperform those that permit smoking. Efforts to try to separate smoking and non-smoking sections, such as adding doors, have repeatedly proven ineffective at protecting employees and guests from dangerous secondhand smoke.” “After more than two years of a safe workplace, these workers will now have to choose between their health and a paycheck,” Hallett continued. In a statement, she said that it was the “equivalent of coal in their stockings this week” for employees at the casinos. Anti-smoking group hates itĬynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, is not happy about the policy change, as one might expect. MotorCity Casino, Detroit’s other gambling venue, still bans the activity. Hollywood Casino at Greektown has also reinstated smoking, but is restricting it to the second floor. The Michigan Gaming Control Board originally banned smoking on casino floors in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as smokers would have to remove their masks to smoke. Originally banned smoking on casino floors in 2020 The only two indoor areas in which smoking is permitted are labeled “Smoking Slots East and Smoking Slots West.” The casino has installed doors on the two sections of the property to try to minimize smoke drift to adjacent areas. Visitors are still not allowed to spark up a lung dart on the casino floor.

The casino announced the new policy on Wednesday, effective immediately. MGM Grand Detroit has lifted its ban on indoor smoking, permitting patrons to light up in designated areas of the property.

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