The debate about smoking on the casino floor in Atlantic City’s casinos has been ongoing for nearly two decades. Currently, a loophole in New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act allows casinos to permit indoor smoking within an area of up to 25% of their gaming floors. In contrast, the Act prohibits smoking within public areas in the state with that sole exception.

While the debate about smoking is ongoing, a new bill calls to keep the current restriction for smoking to occur within 25% of the casino gaming floors, adding a few conditions. The bill, S2651, which non-smoking activists call maintaining the status quo, is supported by Sen. John Burzichelli and was introduced in the Senate earlier this week. The proposal was referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee for further review and consideration.

While this is a new bill, in its majority, it keeps the current rules about indoor smoking for casinos in Atlantic City. As noted, the bill would keep the existing restriction that limits the casinos from indoor smoking within up to 25% of their gaming floors.

However, under S2651, smoking would be permitted within specially designated smoking areas that offer slots and are located more than 15 feet away from table games with dealers. Additionally, the proposal would enable casinos to permit smoking within designated smoking areas that are separated from the other areas within the casino floor. Dealers who would be working in such areas will have to confirm if they agree to be assigned to such a position.

Anti-smoking Group Criticizes the Newly Proposed Bill

Burzichelli backed his proposal by explaining that it would prevent casinos from closing. He was quoted on the matter by the Associated Press, explaining: “It’s about what we can do to keep casinos open, and how do we get it right.” Additionally, Burzichelli warned: “Losing one casino means thousands of jobs lost.”

The proposal immediately captured the attention of the anti-smoking group, Casino Employees Against Smoking Harmful Effects (CEASE). The group issued a statement claiming Burzichelli’s proposal was “copied and pasted.” In their statement, CEASE explained: “This bill would retain the same level of smoking as is currently permitted and will not decrease in any way the amount of exposure workers have to secondhand smoke.”

The anti-smoking group reiterated that the only proposal that may receive sufficient support is a rival bill that prohibits indoor smoking completely. Previously, Gov. Phil Murphy hinted at his intention to sign such a proposal, should it get enough traction and support. Speaking about the Governor’s support, CEASE predicted that Burzichelli’s bill is unlikely to progress.

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The Florida House of Representatives has taken a significant step in combating illegal gambling operations within the state by advancing a bill aimed at cracking down on such activities. However, despite its progress, concerns linger regarding potential unintended consequences and the clarity of certain provisions.

Rep. Michelle Salzman’s Bill Advances in Florida House Despite Concerns

House Bill 189, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Salzman, garnered approval from the House Appropriations Committee following a thorough debate that highlighted various concerns, reported media outlet Florida Politics. 

One major issue raised during the discussion was the possibility of inadvertently ensnaring unsuspecting individuals, particularly night managers, into legal trouble due to the broad language of the bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to impose harsher penalties for operating illegal gambling establishments, including those housing unauthorized slot machines. Additionally, it aims to deter such activities by prohibiting the advertising of unlicensed betting venues. 

Rep. Salzman emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from the dangers of unregulated gambling, citing its links to illicit trades such as drug trafficking and human exploitation.

While the bill received committee approval, several members expressed reservations about its potential ramifications. Rep. Dan Daley, Christopher Benjamin, Mike Gottlieb, and Patricia Williams raised concerns ranging from the broad scope of the language to the potential impact on unwitting individuals, such as low-level managers, who may not be aware of violations occurring on the premises they oversee.

Rep. Salzman Defends Controversial Bill Amidst Criticism Over Unintended Consequences

In response to these concerns, Rep. Salzman defended the bill, highlighting provisions intended to protect managers who are unaware of illegal activities taking place under their supervision. However, critics argued that despite potential legal defenses, the mere accusation of involvement in illegal gambling could have severe repercussions for individuals, affecting their future prospects and reputations.

Representatives of the amusement machine industry echoed these concerns, emphasizing the potential strain on local resources resulting from legal disputes arising from unintentional violations. Jonathan Zachem, representing the Amusement Machine Association of Florida, warned against the detrimental effects on small-scale operators caught in the crossfire of enforcement efforts.

Despite opposition, supporters of the bill argue that enhanced penalties and stricter enforcement are necessary to curb illicit gambling practices. Rep. Randy Fine emphasized the importance of maintaining regulatory oversight to prevent the proliferation of unregulated gambling activities.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it faces further scrutiny and deliberation. With similar legislation progressing in the Senate, the issue of illegal gambling remains a focal point of legislative action in Florida.

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A recent bill is making its way through the House in Virginia, calling for the development of a casino complex in Fairfax County. The proposal is sponsored by State Sen. Dave Marsden and asks for residents of the county to vote on a referendum, which if approved, will permit the development of a casino in Tyson’s Corner. Besides a casino, the structure may also include a conference center as well as entertainment facilities which can be used for different events such as concerts.

Initially, the proposal called for the casino to be located in Reston. However, it faced strong opposition from the Reston Citizens Association. In fact, earlier this month, a group of opponents against the proposed casino plan for Reston gathered outside Fairfax County Government Center and placed signs. Moreover, they voiced their concerns that the proposed development is against the area’s planning principles, media reports revealed at the time.

Now, the debate regarding the proposal continues to intensify with opponents voicing further concerns. Jeff McKay, the chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, who was interviewed by DC News Now, criticized the proposal. He outlined that prior to the introduction of the bill, there were limited discussions with stakeholders, including the Fairfax County board.

Moreover, McKay said that he was able to see the proposal only a day before it was introduced, leaving insufficient time for any changes. He explained: “None of those groups have come formally, sat down with me and said, ‘Hey, here’s what we’re proposing. This is what our bill looks like. Will Fairfax County engage in conversations with us?”

A Casino May Bring More Problems Than Benefits

When it comes to the proceeds from a potential casino in Tyson’s Corner, McKay was also skeptical. He revealed that where casinos are available, usually, a 25% tax revenue is applicable. According to McKay, this tax rate is “not a good deal for the people of Fairfax County.”

He estimated that the county would benefit from $50 million if the casino in the area makes $200 million. The chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said that this revenue is not worth it, especially considering the potential problems a casino may bring to the area.

Opponents of the idea have also voiced their concerns, highlighting that a casino may result in an uptick in criminal activities. Others warned that a casino in Fairfax County may result in increased traffic and impact other businesses in the area.

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The Adams administration unveiled a comprehensive zoning proposal that could pave the way for casino developments across broad sections of New York City. 

Proposed Zoning Overhaul Opens Doors for Casinos Across New York City

Unlike the city’s current zoning regulations, the proposed changes would permit the establishment of casinos in any manufacturing district and nearly all commercial areas, with minimal restrictions on their size. The scope of the proposal extends beyond just gambling halls, as developers could incorporate additional amenities within the casino footprint, such as restaurants, hotels, bars, and performing arts venues.

City officials argue that these sweeping changes are essential to streamline the regulatory process for the winners of the highly sought-after casino licenses. The move is seen as an effort to position New York City as a more attractive option compared to neighboring areas, where casinos are currently not allowed under existing zoning codes.

Dan Garodnick, the head of the Department of City Planning and the City Planning Commission, stressed the importance of establishing a level playing field for casino applicants within the city, reported AM New York. He stated that it was crucial to create such an environment as the state considers proposals for casinos downstate, allowing applicants within New York City to compete for this opportunity.

Concerns Rise Over Ambiguous Casino Zoning

While several bids for casinos have emerged, targeting prime locations such as Times Square, Hudson Yards, and Coney Island, some industry insiders believe existing “racinos” at Aqueduct Racetrack and Empire City Casino have an advantage due to their current footprint in racetracks with video slot machines.

The proposed zoning changes are expected to face a rigorous approval process, involving local community boards, Borough Presidents, Borough Boards, the City Planning Commission, City Council, and the Mayor. If approved, the amendment would expedite the process for chosen casino projects, bypassing the traditionally lengthy and complex land-use review.

However, the lack of specificity in the proposal has raised concerns among civic leaders. Layla Law-Gisiko, the land use chair at Manhattan Community Board 5, expressed bewilderment over the vague nature of the proposal, especially considering the meticulous details required for other zoning amendments.

Critics point out apparent contradictions within the proposal, such as the exemption of casino developers from the special permit requirement for new hotel developments, a requirement implemented in 2021 to mitigate adverse effects on local communities. The proposal’s ambiguity has sparked calls for a more detailed and strengthened review process to ensure the responsible development of potential casino complexes in the city.

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In a recent meeting of Maryland’s Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee, legislators delved into the topic of problem gambling, specifically focusing on the potential impact of legalizing online casinos in the state. 

Experts Raise Alarms over Problem Gambling Surge

While retail sports betting was launched in Maryland in December 2021, mobile sports betting platforms were introduced a year later, raising concerns among experts and lawmakers about the surge in problem gambling cases.

Mary Drexler, the program director for the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, expressed her apprehension about the rapid expansion of online and mobile gambling, reported Maryland Matters. Drexler highlighted the growing number of calls, texts, and chats received by their helpline, indicating a demographic shift toward younger adults, especially minority males, seeking help for gambling-related issues.

Amidst these concerns, some state legislators have been advocating for the legalization of online casinos. Although legislation introduced during the 2023 session did not progress significantly, lawmakers agreed to commission a study on the feasibility of iCasinos in Maryland. This report, due by November 15, is expected to provide insights into the potential revenue that online casino gaming could generate for the state.

However, the prospect of introducing online casinos has raised worries about cannibalizing revenue from brick-and-mortar casinos, impacting the state’s Problem Gambling Fund. Currently, funding for problem gambling initiatives primarily comes from traditional table games and slot machines, with sports betting tax revenue not allocated for problem gambling research.

Senator Lam Proposes Funding Solution for Problem Gambling

Senator Clarence Lam voiced his concerns about the potential implications of online gaming, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. Despite these concerns, industry analysts like Matt Roob from Spectrum Gaming indicated that states with both online and physical casinos have not shown significant evidence of revenue cannibalization.

One possible solution discussed during the meeting was allocating a specific percentage of tax revenue from online casinos to the Problem Gambling Fund. This approach could potentially address concerns about funding shortages for problem gambling treatment and support services.

In July, a report exposed Maryland’s concerning struggle to support individuals grappling with gambling addiction, revealing that 8.6% of the state’s adults suffered from a gambling disorder in 2020, double the national average. While Maryland’s spending on safe gambling initiatives matches other states, it falls short, leading to a gap between affected individuals and available support. 

The state’s reliance on alternative revenue streams like expired prizes highlights the challenge. The potential introduction of iGaming exacerbates the situation, demanding urgent action, including enhanced treatment options, heightened awareness, and comprehensive collaboration, to address the alarming issue effectively.

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US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to combating the proliferation of hidden fees, colloquially known as “junk fees,” that often catch consumers off guard when making reservations or purchasing tickets. 

President Biden’s Crusade Against Deceptive Pricing Tactics Gains Momentum

In recent posts on X (Formerly Twitter), President Joe Biden voiced his concerns over these deceptive pricing tactics. He argued that such fees frequently make a stay or event significantly more expensive than initially advertised, leaving consumers feeling misled and frustrated. Amid ongoing concerns about rising inflation affecting everyday expenses, Biden is determined to tackle the issue of misleading online pricing schemes.

The President emphasized the importance of transparency, stating: “Concert tickets are hard enough to get; you shouldn’t have to pay surprise service fees on top of that. My Administration is working to crack down on those junk fees so you know what you are paying for upfront.”

This initiative to address hidden fees in the hospitality and entertainment industries was first introduced by President Biden in October 2022. At that time, he announced his intention to instruct the Federal Trade Commission to develop regulations aimed at curbing unfair and deceptive fees across various sectors.

Despite these efforts, progress on the issue has been slow at the federal level. In July, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) introduced bipartisan legislation known as the Hotel Fees Transparency Act. The bill aimed to compel hotels and resorts to include resort fees and any additional charges, excluding taxes, in their advertised rates. However, the bill has stalled in the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Gaming Industry and Politicians Clash Over Resort Fee Regulations

The gaming industry, represented by the American Gaming Association (AGA), opposes the mandatory inclusion of resort fees in advertised nightly rates, arguing that it would stifle their ability to compete and innovate. Senator Jacky Rosen, a Democrat from Nevada, who also serves on the committee, believes that many casinos and resorts in her state are already transparent in their booking policies.

Nevada’s Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D) and Representative Dina Titus (D) support the idea of transparent pricing but suggest that legislation should focus more on ticket charges rather than regulating casinos and hotels. They emphasized the need to ensure that the administration’s proposals prioritize the elimination of surprise fees rather than punishing establishments that already disclose their fees upfront.

While President Biden’s commitment to addressing junk fees has garnered attention, some critics have questioned whether this issue should be a top priority, given more pressing economic concerns facing the US. Critics argue that with the cost of groceries and other essential items on the rise, the focus on concert ticket fees may appear misplaced.

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has sounded an alarm over the misuse of gambling statistics by stakeholders, calling for responsible data presentation to maintain debate integrity.

Amidst the evolving discussions on gambling regulations, the UKGC has expressed deep concerns about the manipulation of statistics to bolster arguments. This trend has been observed across the board, involving gambling operators, the media, and other parties, often accompanied by confusion between “problem gambling” and “gambling-related harm.”

A key concern centers on distorted problem gambling statistics. Claims like “99.7 percent of gamblers are unhurt” and “only 0.3 percent are harmed” are misleading. The 0.3 percent figure refers to the UKGC’s abbreviated Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) screen, which has fluctuated between 0.2 and 0.6 percent of individuals aged 16 or older experiencing problem gambling.

The misconception stems from assuming this percentage pertains solely to gamblers, when it includes all adults in Great Britain. Health Survey for England 2021 data shows that among those aged 16 and over who gambled in the past year, 0.8 percent experienced problem gambling by PGSI or DSM-IV criteria.

Misleading notions about low-risk gambling forms are also addressed. The UKGC clarifies that problem gambling rates vary significantly by activity, ranging from 0.9 percent for National Lottery players to 8.5 percent for online slots, live casinos, or bingo participants.

Inaccuracies are noted in comparative analyses due to pandemic-induced data collection limitations or changes in survey methods. The UKGC emphasizes cautious interpretation.

The complexity of gambling statistics underscores the issue. Despite an apparently low overall problem gambling rate relative to participation, the UKGC stresses the profound consequences for affected individuals and their communities.

To maintain discussion credibility and informed decisions, the UKGC urges stakeholders to use statistics responsibly, ensuring diligence, precision, and contextual understanding.

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