Rhode Island to Restrict Casino Smoking

Rhode Island has moved forward with its ban on indoor smoking at its casinos on the final day of the legislative session. Although this is a major victory for proponents of the measure, anti-smoking activists shouldn’t hurry to rejoice as the bill would still need Governor Dan McKee’s signature.

The Measure Only Needs Gov. McKee’s Signature

In an intense session that saw local lawmakers pass a variety of bills, including ones seeking to ban assault weapons, solve Little Rhody’s housing issues, and set the $14.3 billion state budget, legislators succeeded in advancing a measure that would mostly prohibit indoor smoking at the local casino.

The passing of this measure comes after years of campaigning against the negative effects of second-hand smoke on casino workers and other visitors. However, it is not a complete ban, like the one proponents hoped for, and would instead allow Rhode Island’s two casinos to create a single smoking lounge each where their guests can smoke.

This compromise would still dramatically reduce the smoke inside Bally’s casinos in Twin River and Tiverton.

Should the measure receive Gov. McKee’s approval, the ban will come into effect from January 1, 2027.

Indoor Smoking Remains a Point of Contention

Smoking inside casinos in the US has been one of the hot topics in the casino industry as workers have intensified their efforts against loopholes that allow patrons to smoke. Although states largely agree that indoor smoking should be prohibited, many still sport exemptions for gambling halls and venues. Although some only allow smoking in restricted areas, workers have argued that this still jeopardizes employees’ health.

As a result, casino workers across the US have continued to campaign against indoor smoking, asserting that they shouldn’t be made to choose between their health and their paychecks.

On the other side of this clash, casino industry stakeholders have remained reluctant to proceed with a ban, expressing concern about the potential impact such a measure could have on their businesses. Many have argued that a prohibition could encourage patrons to visit casinos in other states, while others have suggested that forcing patrons to go out for a smoke break could lead them to call it a day and decide to wrap up their gaming session.

In Rhode Island, Bally’s suggested that lawmakers should also pass SB 1112, which would increase the marketing subsidies the state offers the operator. For reference, Rhode Island currently offers roughly $4 million to Bally’s for marketing purposes. If the measure passes, Bally’s Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton would join a single Consolidated Marketing Program, under which they would receive approximately $6.75 million instead.

Bally’s said that this would offset the losses incurred by a potential ban on indoor smoking. That bill, however, failed to gain sufficient traction.