Rhode Island Casino Workers Pressure Senate to Ban Indoor Smoking

Casino workers in Rhode Island are continuing their fight against indoor smoking, arguing that nothing short of a complete ban would be enough.

Casino Workers Seek Better Conditions

On Tuesday, approximately 150 casino workers entered the State House, expressing their support for a bill seeking to end indoor smoking. The measure in question was introduced by Rep. Teresa Tanzi who has long promoted a patch that would close the loophole allowing indoor smoking at the casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.

Although previous efforts to end indoor smoking have failed, this time Tanzi and her supporters have House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi on their side. In addition to that, the casino workers’ latest protest was also backed by Butler Hospital workers.

Jesse Martin, a representative of the SEIU 1199NE union, emphasized that people deserve to work free of health-related concerns.

Tanzi, on the other hand, slammed indoor smoking as a “grave injustice” toward workers.

The State Could Lose Millions, Opponents Say

In the meantime, opponents of the measure continued to echo economic concerns. According to Frank Ciccone, Rhode Island could lose millions in revenue if it eliminates indoor smoking. This claim is consistent with what casino industry supporters in other states have said too in regards to banning indoor smoking.

For example, New Jersey lawmakers and industry stakeholders have argued that banning indoor smoking could alienate many consumers, forcing them to gamble in neighboring states. Others have suggested that when players go outside for a smoke, they might decide to call it a day instead of returning to play more, also causing casinos to lose money.

However, Ciccone has sought a compromise between the two camps. To that end, he is trying to negotiate with Bally’s to expand the non-smoking areas in the operator’s casinos.

Workers Demand a Full Ban

However, casino workers believe that nothing short of a complete ban would suffice. They insist that the COVID period when indoor smoking was banned for a time was better and that the work conditions have been worse ever since this temporary ban was lifted.

During the protest, many casino workers shared stories of their personal hurdles due to indoor smoking. Some said they have struggled with heart disease and cancer because of the smoke.

In the meantime, Senate President Valarie Lawson has expressed support for the ban. However, she also wishes for the process to happen naturally and in line with standard procedures.