Kansas and Missouri Lawmakers Consider Casino Smoking Ban

Kansas and Missouri are getting closer to stopping people from smoking inside state-owned casinos as their lawmaking seasons come near. People are trying to put new rules in place in both states. 

CEASE Campaigns for Ban on Smoking in Kansas and Missouri Casinos

Groups like Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) are pushing for banning smoking in casinos. If it works out, state-owned gambling establishments could become smoke-free as soon as 2025.

Joe Hafley, who is the founder of the Kansas and Missouri chapter of CEASE and works as a security guard at the Hollywood Casino, spoke up about the need to change. He pointed out the health risks of second-hand smoke saying that many workers bring harmful stuff home to their families, as reported by KCTV5. Hafley hopes lawmakers will put the health of casino workers and guests first. He notes that most people in Kansas and Missouri — about 85% — do not smoke.

The ban, if passed, would cover the four state-owned casinos in Kansas: Kansas Star Casino, Boot Hill Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Kansas Crossing Casino. Tribal-owned casinos, like the 7th Street Casino in Kansas City Kansas, would not have to follow the rule because they govern themselves.

Supporters and Opponents React to Potential Casino Smoking Ban

Some casino visitors did not like the idea, saying establishments visited only by adults should let smokers light up. Others thought it could make things healthier. 

Mattie Coleman, who went to the 7th Street Casino on Wednesday, called the ban a good move. She said it would cut down on everyone breathing in second-hand smoke.

However, casino executives say they need to strike a balance. Jeff Morris, who handles public affairs at Penn Entertainment, pointed out how much money they have put into better air systems and special smoking spots. He thinks that customer preferences should drive these choices when there’s so much competition.

The Missouri legislature starts again on January 8, 2025, while Kansas lawmakers come back to session on January 13. People are stepping up their efforts to push for change, with events set for January 21 at the Kansas Statehouse and February 3 at the Missouri Statehouse.

Those who back the ban point out the wider health effects for workers who breathe in second-hand smoke for long periods. Those fighting for the cause think that more public backing, along with pressure from health groups, might be enough to move the law forward in both states.

At the same time, the fight against smoking in casinos in New Jersey gets more fierce.Casino workers in Atlantic City recently staged a protest outside an event featuring New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, urging action to end the exemption allowing smoking in the city’s nine casinos. Despite years of advocacy and Murphy’s stated willingness to sign a ban if passed by the legislature, progress has stalled.