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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A brewing clash between proponents and opponents of a proposed casino at the iconic Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach is expected to take center stage in Tallahassee next week, as state lawmakers gear up for a heated debate.

Opposition Mounts Against Fontainebleau Casino Plans in South Florida

A coalition of influential South Florida business figures, including billionaire auto magnate Norman Braman and developer Armando Codina, is spearheading a vigorous lobbying effort aimed at derailing legislation that would pave the way for a Las Vegas-style casino at the Fontainebleau, reported the Miami Herald. The group, joined by Miami Beach city officials and residents, is vehemently opposed to the expansion of casino gambling in the area.

Braman, echoing the sentiments of many in the community, emphasized in an interview that they did not want casino gambling there, stating it was just that simple. 

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner underscored the unity among local leaders, expressing his belief that they all felt very strongly about the matter and were united on it.

The contentious proposal, embodied in Senate Bill 1054 and House Bill 1127, is slated for its inaugural hearing before state lawmakers on February 5. While the Senate Regulated Industries Committee has confirmed its agenda, House Republican leaders remain tight-lipped about the bill’s fate.

The debate has drawn high-profile figures into the fray, including billionaire hedge funder Ken Griffin, who penned a scathing op-ed condemning the proposed legislation. Griffin warned of the adverse effects of casino expansion, citing research linking it to gambling addiction, increased crime rates, and declining property values.

Meanwhile, the proposal’s sponsor, state Rep. Alex Rizo, has faced scrutiny for his ties to Jeff Soffer, the billionaire owner of the Fontainebleau. Soffer, who has long sought to establish a casino at the resort, has reportedly funneled significant sums into political contributions, raising concerns about undue influence.

Opponents of the casino plan have found a powerful ally in Griffin, whose vocal opposition adds weight to their cause. Griffin’s staunch stance against the legislation reflects a broader sentiment among Miami-Dade residents and lawmakers, who view the proposed casino as a threat to their community’s well-being.

Sen. Shevrin Jones, representing West Park, emphasized the need to respect the will of the people and urged legislators to reject the casino proposal. Similarly, Miami Republicans, including Sen. Bryan Avila and Ileana Garcia, have voiced reservations about the initiative, signaling potential roadblocks ahead.

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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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Recent measures introduced in the Florida legislature aim to tackle the longstanding issue of illegal slot machines proliferating across the state, presenting a growing concern for authorities. Bills SB 1046 and HB 189 have been tabled to provide clarity on existing laws surrounding these machines and to ramp up penalties for their possession and operation.

Legal Experts Push for Tougher Penalties in Florida’s War Against Illegal Slots

Dan McGinn, a special counsel for the law firm Jones Walker, emphasized the intention behind the bills, highlighting their role in dissuading proprietors from harboring illegal slot machines. Speaking to CDC Gaming Reports, McGinn underscored the significance of elevating penalties to felonies, suggesting it would incentivize law enforcement to pursue cases more vigorously.

The presence of illegal slot machines extends beyond authorized gambling establishments, such as pari-mutuel facilities and properties owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. 

Eric Carr, Director of External Affairs for the Florida Gaming Control Commission, shed light on the clandestine nature of these operations, often camouflaged within adult arcades and internet cafes.

Carr emphasized the broader ramifications of such illicit activities, linking them to the funding of violent criminal enterprises like drug trafficking and human exploitation. He cited recent instances of violence at illegal gambling sites across various counties, underlining the urgency for legislative intervention to curb this menace.

Florida Shines Light on Slot Machine Regulations

Unlike states grappling with ambiguity over gambling definitions, Florida’s stance on slot machines remains clear due to statutory prohibitions. McGinn dismissed any ambiguity, stressing that Florida’s legal framework unequivocally outlaws such machines except in designated areas.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has thrown its weight behind efforts to eradicate illegal gambling apparatus. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller emphasized the importance of empowering law enforcement to combat this underground market, aligning with Florida’s legislative push to enhance penalties and enforcement measures.

McGinn echoed sentiments of support for the proposed bills, emphasizing their potential to mitigate the spread of illegal gambling activities statewide. He underscored the broader societal benefits of curtailing unregulated gambling, pointing to the associated social and economic harms.

As the legislative debate unfolds, stakeholders remain optimistic that these measures will provide much-needed clarity and deterrence against the proliferation of illegal slot machines. 

With bipartisan support and backing from industry advocates, Florida’s crackdown on illicit gambling endeavors signals a concerted effort to safeguard communities and uphold the integrity of the state’s gaming regulations.

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