Casino workers in Atlantic City are urging New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to address indoor smoking regulations during his 2025 State of the State Address. The workers, represented by CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects), seek an end to the casino smoking loophole established in the 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act.

Current legislation allows casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games to designate indoor smoking areas. While Governor Murphy has expressed support for smoke-free casinos, he hasn't actively pushed the Democratic-controlled Legislature to pass relevant legislation.

Two bills addressing this issue—Assembly Bill 2143 and Senate Bill 3372—remain stalled in committee. Casino industry representatives argue that a smoking ban would negatively impact revenue and employment, but CEASE disputes these claims, citing successful smoke-free operations like Pennsylvania's Parx Casino.

Lamont White, CEASE co-founder and Borgata table games dealer, emphasizes that Murphy's legacy depends on addressing this issue before leaving office. The organization formed after Murphy's temporary COVID-19 smoking ban expired in summer 2021.

CEASE points to independent studies suggesting smoke-free policies benefit rather than harm casino business. They urge immediate legislative action to protect thousands of casino workers from secondhand smoke exposure.

Murphy's seventh State of the State Address, scheduled for 3 pm today, represents one of his final opportunities to influence this legislation before his term-limited governorship ends.

Related Articles

Previous Articles