The controversial topic of casino smoking once again surfaces in legislative circles
The Pennsylvania House Health Committee will meet on Wednesday morning and is expected to pass legislation to require the state’s casino floors to be 100% smoke-free. Chairman of the committee, Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny), has proposed legislation to the General Assembly for the second straight year to amend the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act.
The Health Committee plans to vote on House Bill 1657 at its 9:45 AM meeting in Harrisburg on Wednesday. The law would eliminate casino exemptions from the Clean Indoor Air Act, which has allowed licensed casinos to establish smoking areas on up to 50% of their gaming floor.
Exemptions were also given to cigar and tobacco shops, private clubs, and bars where food accounts for 20% or less of gross sales.
Frankel’s measure would force the 17 retail casinos in the state to move smokers outdoors and is likely to pass the Health Committee. HB 1657 would also eliminate smoking at bars and private clubs but not at cigar lounges and tobacco shops.
The Pennsylvania casino industry persists in claiming that a ban on smoking inside their facilities hurts gaming, as gamblers who smoke are forced to take breaks from gameplay to go outdoors to a specified smoking area. Sometimes, during those breaks, players may choose not to return. However, responsible gaming advocates say that’s a positive thing.
Richard Schuetz, a consultant and gaming industry veteran who has counseled other states on best regulatory procedures, told the Health Committee in September that smoking areas are the same as “throwing out a welcome mat for problem gamblers.”
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
