After years of unsuccessful attempts to persuade lawmakers to ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos, workers have taken a new approach: filing a lawsuit to challenge a law that exempts casinos from indoor smoking bans. The lawsuit argues that the exemption for casinos violates the principle of equal protection under the law and seeks to have it acknowledged as unconstitutional.

The Legal Action Escalates an Ongoing Issue

The United Auto Workers (UAW), representing workers at Bally’s, Caesars, and Tropicana casinos, joined by a group of casino workers opposed to smoking in gambling halls, filed a lawsuit in state Superior Court challenging New Jersey’s indoor clean air law. This law, enacted 18 years ago, prohibits smoking in most indoor workplaces but makes an exception for casinos.

At a rally outside the courthouse where the lawsuit was filed, UAW president Shawn Fain noted that such drastic action was only necessary because of the industry’s unwillingness to address the concerns of Atlantic City casino workers regarding their work safety as they must regularly contend with the proven dangers of second-hand smoking.

This legislation was supposed to protect everyone from the dangers of second-hand smoke. But somehow, our casino workers have been asked to roll the dice.

Shawn Fain, UAW president

The issue of smoking in casinos has sparked controversy not only in Atlantic City but also in other states where workers have raised concerns about second-hand smoke. Similar campaigns are underway in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Virginia. Proponents of the ban argue that banning smoking would not affect revenues but would tremendously improve casino staff’s quality of life.

Casinos Remain Opposed to a Smoking Ban

Recent revenue reports showing a decline in in-person visits to Atlantic City casinos have raised further alarm among workers and union leaders. They argue that a smoking ban is necessary to protect the health of workers and patrons alike and would constitute a vital step towards resolving the challenges facing the resort city.

State Senator John Burzichelli introduced a bill earlier this year that would address some of the concerns of workers and the casino industry. However, the proposed legislation heavily favored casinos, causing workers pushing for a complete ban to reject this proposal, insisting on improved measures to protect their health and safety.

The Casino Association of New Jersey opposes a smoking ban, citing concerns about its impact on competitiveness with neighboring states. However, workers are determined to push for change through legal action. The plight for safer working conditions has resonated across New Jersey, winning public support. While the lawsuit’s chances remain unclear, the UAW will explore every option to protect the casino worker community.

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Australian operator The Lottery Corporation has requested to be omitted from the upcoming gambling reform. Regulatory changes will prevent bettors from using credit cards for gambling, significantly changing the country’s gaming landscape. The company argues that lotteries have a low harm profile, insisting lottery tickets and scratch cards should be exempt from the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill.

Australia Presses On with Its Gambling Reforms

Earlier this year, the Australian Government proposed several updates to the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 to prohibit users from using credit cards for gambling transactions. The proposed amendment is part of a broader effort to promote responsible gambling. Notably, The Lottery Corporation’s former parent company, Tabcorp, supports this amendment, agreeing it is vital in combating rising gambling addiction rates.

Recent updates to ID requirements for online gamblers marked the first significant milestone towards a fairer and more responsible gambling industry. The measure aims to mitigate underage gambling and alleviate some cases of gambling harm, protecting consumers from unscrupulous operators. Leading politicians have expressed their determination to push on with reforms and update regulations to navigate rising challenges.

The Australian Commonwealth Government’s push towards more responsible gambling coincides with similar measures across most local jurisdictions. New South Wales (NSW) recently pledged $100 million in funding for initiatives and services to reduce the industry’s harmful effects on communities. Such initiatives remain instrumental in reversing the country’s rising problem gambling rates by enforcing more effective regulations.

A Possible Exemption Could Have Far-Reaching Consequences

Lottery Corporation CEO Sue van der Merwe approached the Senate to request an exemption for lotteries from the upcoming ban on online gambling using credit cards and digital wallets. The company argues that lotteries have a significantly lower harm profile than other forms of gambling, relying more on their social and recreational aspects. 

Sue van der Merwe’s request likely reflects The Lottery Corporation’s fears that stricter regulations may impact the company’s bottom line. However, the measure enjoys broad industry support. Responsible Wagering Australia, representing some of the country’s top operators like Sportsbet and Ladbrokes, also released a statement in favor of the changes. 

We share the Government’s view that wagering customers should only be able to conduct their wagering activity with their own clear funds.

Responsible Wagering Australia statement

The Lottery Corporation’s call for an exemption from the impending credit card gambling ban highlights the ongoing debate about Australia’s gambling regulations. As discussions around responsible gambling continue, the decision of whether to grant this exemption will be closely watched by various industry stakeholders and may significantly impact future policies.

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