Workers at Rhode Island’s two casinos have been advocating for a smoking ban and their efforts finally reached the State House, where it is now being held for further study, meaning it is unlikely to advance during this legislative session.
Let’s take a closer look at the conflict and its potential impact on top-rated sportsbooks in the region.
Need for Change
State Representative Teresa Tanzi has taken up the cause of a smoke-free environment for union workers at the state’s two casinos in the form of HB 7500. However, the crusade will be delayed as it is now being held for further study and review so legislators can make a more informed opinion.
“Imagine what that’s like, night after night, having to go home with cigarette smell in your hair, having to shower before you even got into bed,” said Tanzi, using an ashtray as a prop to make her point. “Every single night, throwing your clothes in the laundry every single night because of the stench of smoking.”
The properties in question are Bally’s Twin River and Tiverton casinos, whose executives claim that a total ban on smoking inside the casino floors would irrevocably damage their bottom line and ultimately the tax proceeds collected by the state on the revenue it produces.
Many casinos across the country are exempt from the smoking ban instituted by state governments in public places but there has been a vocal number of workers in gambling hotbeds like Atlantic City who are pushing hard for a complete smoking ban on the gaming floor.
Gaming companies insist there have been studies to corroborate that banning smoking will turn away customers and push them into the arms of other states whose casinos have designated smoking sections. A compromise solution has been worked out in many instances, which designates smoking and non-smoking sections. However, many workers insist that the secondhand smoke wafting from adjacent smoking sections is a threat to their health.
Making Accommodations
It should be noted that not all workers are in favor of the smoking ban with many believing the casino operators’ studies that eliminating smoking will have a deleterious effect on revenues and ultimately decrease jobs because of it.
Donna DeCaprio, president of Local 54 of the Unite Here union, which represents hotel and casino workers in New Jersey, stated a smoking ban could extinguish 3000 jobs and cause the closure of as many as three of the nine Boardwalk casinos with smoking customers fleeing across state lines to Pennsylvania casinos that allow smoking.
In an online discussion with State Senator Joseph Vitale, DeCaprio said, “In South Jersey, there are no replacement jobs of this caliber. A total ban is going to result in an economic catastrophe for Atlantic City, the region, and the state.”
According to Craig Sculo, Vice President of Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, his casino has first and second-floor areas designated as no-smoking zones.
“We’re accommodating basically two casinos under one roof, space for those who prefer to be and work in a nonsmoking environment as well as patrons and employees that can access the smoking environment as well,” Sculo explained.
Sculo also pointed out to legislators that a Louisiana casino had agreed to eliminate smoking but after a substantial decline in revenue, it decided to rescind the ban. “Revenues declined, almost immediately double-digit. Local government again stepped in and reintroduced smoking. Not only has that decline stopped, that property is now performing at or better than Shreveport competition.“
