A New Invoice Seeks To Ban Smoking at Pennsylvania Casinos

The place there may be discuss smoking at casinos there may be loads of fireplace. Two lawmakers from Western Pennsylvania launched laws that may make all casinos within the state smoke-free. Allegheny County Democrats Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Dan Frankel unveiled the Defending Employees from Secondhand Smoke Act on March 16.

When Pennsylvania casinos reopened in June 2020 after coronavirus-forced closures, restrictions required them to ban smoking largely resulting from masking guidelines. When the common masks mandate was dropped, most casinos allowed smoking to return. Nevertheless, Parx, the state’s highest-grossing on line casino, remained fully smoke-free.

Is smoking allowed at PA casinos?

Sure, you’re allowed to smoke at PA casinos. Underneath Pennsylvania’s Clear Indoor Air Act, casinos are one of many few locations together with personal golf equipment and cigar bars that permit indoor smoking. Smoking areas cannot exceed 50% of sq. toes of the gaming flooring.

Invoice goals to guard staff from secondhand smoke

If handed, the Defending Employees from Secondhand Smoke Act, would supply Pennsylvania staff safety from secondhand smoke in locations the place smoking continues to be permitted indoors resulting from exemptions within the state’s Clear Indoor Air Act.

In line with a press launch by Rep Frankel, the Defending Employees from Secondhand Smoke Act would:

• Get rid of loopholes within the Clear Indoor Air Act that depart staff uncovered to cancerous secondhand smoke.
• Increase the definition of smoking to incorporate e-cigarettes with the intention to fight the rise in vaping-related sicknesses.
• Give native governments the power to place into place smoke-free ordinances which might be extra protecting than state regulation.

No smoking at PA casinos has not impacted income

Parx On line casino in Bensalem, the longstanding prime on line casino in PA for slot and desk video games income determined to maintain the on line casino fully smoke-free. Frankel additionally famous that Parx On line casino Shippensburg, a brand new mini-casino opening in 2022, will likely be non-smoking.

Right here’s a have a look at Parx’s final three months of slot and desk video games income based on figures from the Pennsylvania Gaming Management Board.

Feb. 2022

• Slot: $33.9 million (25 % YoY improve)
• Desk video games: $15.7 million (12% YoY improve)

Jan. 2022

• Slots: $28.9 million (2% YoY improve)
• Desk video games: $16.7 million (25% YoY improve)

December 2021

• Slots; $33.6 million (240% YoY improve)
• Desk video games: $17.7 million (185% YoY improve)

Mount Ethereal On line casino smoke-free

Mount Ethereal On line casino additionally selected to stay smoke-free. A have a look at their slot and desk video games figures:

Feb. 2022

Slots: $10.7 million (28% YoY improve)

Desk video games: $3.2 million (4 YoY improve)

Jan. 2022

Slots: $9 million (-1.93% YoY lower)

Desk video games: $2.9 million (-3.84% YoY lower)

December 2021

Slots: $10.3 million (265% YoY improve)

Desk video games: $3.2 million (583% YoY improve)

Rep. Dan Frankel commented on the income at casinos which have chosen to not deliver again smoking:

“Let’s put to relaxation the parable that prospects gained’t come if they’ll’t smoke indoors. That didn’t occur when smoking was banned on airplanes. It didn’t occur when smoking was banned in eating places, and it gained’t occur when indoor smoking is lastly eradicated in casinos. If we can’t rely on personal companies to do the best factor even when it’s the financially sensible factor, then it’s time for political leaders to step in and demand on the safety of the well being of our constituents.”

Invoice would ban smoking at casinos

The CDC estimated 12.5% of American adults smoke cigarettes and has reached an all-time low.

Sen. Costa believes now’s the time to replace the Clear Indoor Air Act.

“Going to work shouldn’t improve somebody’s danger of most cancers or lung illness, however that’s precisely what occurs to the women and men who work in casinos. Indoor smoking exceptions at these amenities are unsafe for staff and non-smoking patrons. Clear air is a proper and that’s why I’m introducing this laws once more with my colleague Consultant Frankel.”

Allegheny County Government Wealthy Fitzgerald, who additionally gave remarks through the invoice announcement stated:

“Due to the pandemic, we all know that companies that beforehand recommended that their survival was tied to smoking can really thrive in a no-smoking setting. In a market the place there are nice employment wants, providing alternatives for potential workers that additionally protects their well being is a no brainer.”

Non-smoking advocates reward Invoice to do away with smoking at PA casinos

Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Individuals for Nonsmokers Rights, a non-profit advocacy group, commented on the laws by Sen. Costa and Rep. Frankel:

“We applaud Senator Costa and Rep. Frankel for prioritizing the well being of on line casino staff who should the identical protections from lethal secondhand smoke as practically each different employee within the Commonwealth. Eliminating smoking in casinos is a win-win for staff and the trade, as we’ve seen a number of Pennsylvania casinos thrive whereas working with out indoor smoking — a commonsense resolution supported by nearly all of residents.”

In an announcement from ANR, a rep from Parx On line casino stated:

“Since smoking was allowed to return to (Pennsylvania casinos) in June, we have now continued to be an indoor non-smoking facility. We’ve performed it for the well being and luxury of each our company and crew members. We have now obtained vital constructive suggestions from each constituencies. And (we) have continued our robust efficiency and beneficial properties of market share within the area.”

Lead picture by Katie Kohler