Bally’s Corp.’s two casinos in the state will have to go virtually smoke-free in two years
Rhode Island lawmakers have passed a bill that will limit indoor smoking at the state’s two casinos, marking a key moment in a long-running debate over worker health and casino policy. The legislation, passed in the final hours of the 2025 legislative session, removes the broad exemption that previously allowed smoking throughout gaming floors. However, it stops short of a total ban.
Under the new law, each of the two Bally’s-operated casinos — Twin River in Lincoln and Tiverton — will be allowed to maintain one designated indoor smoking lounge. Outside of that area, smoking will no longer be permitted indoors. These changes won’t take effect immediately; the implementation is scheduled for January 1, 2027, giving the casinos time to adjust.
Advocates for a full ban on indoor smoking had hoped for stronger action. Public health groups and casino workers pushed hard for legislation that would end all smoking inside gaming venues. Many pointed to concerns about secondhand smoke and the risks it poses for employees. While the new law doesn’t go as far as they wanted, it’s the first time any restrictions on casino smoking have passed in Rhode Island.
The final version of the bill was shaped by negotiations between lawmakers, Bally’s, and labor unions. One of the original sponsors, Rep. Teresa Tanzi, removed her name from the bill after the Laborers’ International Union, which represents casino workers, agreed to the compromise.
Bally’s expressed concerns that a full ban could lead to lower revenues and job losses. While they didn’t get financial relief from the legislature, company representatives said limiting smoking to lounges and delaying the rollout would soften the impact.
The bill was part of a busy legislative day that also included a new $14.3 billion state budget and other major votes. But for many casino employees, the new smoking restrictions represent an overdue step toward safer working conditions.
