Photo: John Moore / Getty Images News / Getty Images
State lawmakers are reportedly contemplating a move to extinguish smoking in Atlantic City casinos, a decision that could significantly impact the city’s gaming industry. The assembly speaker, Democrat Craig Coughlin, hinted last week that it might be time to push forward legislation that has been under consideration for some time.
The Press of Atlantic City reports that health concerns of casino workers have been the driving force behind the push for this bill since 2006. Workers have been lobbying legislators, citing the potential health risks associated with secondhand smoke in their workplace.
However, the proposed smoking ban has met with resistance from some groups. Certain casino officials and union representatives argue that such a ban could lead to the closure of several gaming houses. They believe that the prohibition of smoking could deter a significant portion of their clientele, leading to a drop in revenue that could potentially force them to shut down.
Despite these concerns, if the measure is passed, Governor Phil Murphy has indicated that he would sign it into law. This move would mark a significant shift in the operation of Atlantic City casinos and could set a precedent for other gaming cities across the nation.