Currently, there are two federally recognized Native American Tribes in Florida, the Seminole Tribe and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians. Back in 1990, the Miccosukee Tribe entered the gambling sector after opening the Miccosukee Indian Bingo Hall. Several years later, the Tribe opened Miccosukee Casino & Resort, a premium gaming, entertainment and hospitality venue located in Miami.

Smokers at the hotel-casino previously enjoyed a separate space that allowed them to engage in the activity indoors. Earlier this month, the Miccosukee Tribe announced its plans to expand the exclusive smoking area within the casino. The extension of the section of the casino will enable more smokers to light up a cigarette indoors while enjoying gambling activities.

Visitors who like to smoke will be able to enjoy a contemporary full bar that features four 75-inch HD TVs. Eight bar-top slot machines will be available, while another 117 slots will ensure exceptional gambling entertainment for clients of the new and exclusive smoking area.

Thanks to a state-of-the-art air filtration system, the new smoking area will ensure the comfort of the guests. This equipment will help preserve the quality of the air within the area and in the nearby non-smoking sections, guaranteeing equally delightful experiences for smokers and non-smokers alike.

The extended smoking section of the casino will offer 20-foot-tall ceilings and will be located in the northwest corner of the Miccosukee Casino & Resort. New restrooms will be open for the enlarged smoking area and the non-smoking corridor that is nearby.

The Smoking Lounge Is Expected to Open This Summer

The Miccosukee Casino & Resort offers 20 live-action poker tables, as well as more than 1,800 contemporary slots. The casino resort also offers a bingo area and 24/7 entertainment. In addition to gaming amenities, the venue features a wide range of fine dining options, as well as luxury hotel suites. The Miccosukee Tribe’s hotel casino is located at 500 SW 177 Ave.

“Many of our guests have requested a new, indoor, dedicated smoking section, and I am proud that we will be unveiling this unique attraction to them very soon.“

Brad Rhines, general manager at Miccosukee Casino & Resort

Brad Rhines, Miccosukee Casino & Resort’s general manager, explained that the venue remains focused on meeting customer demands and enjoys collecting feedback from its guests. He said that many visitors of the casino resort highlighted the need for a new indoor smoking area.

Rhines said that he is proud to confirm that the new exclusive smoking casino area will soon open. Finally, he spoke about the unique design of the lounge that offers an upscale bar among other amenities.

The opening of the larger smoking area is expected at some point this summer.

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Atlantic City casino workers have voiced their discontent with Gov. Phil Murphy‘s stance on the smoking ban proposal. The governor’s comments during News 12’s “Ask Gov. Murphy” program stirred controversy among members of the Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) group, who vehemently oppose his assertion that there are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.

Casino Workers and Industry Debate Escalates Over Smoking Ban Advocacy

During the program, Gov. Murphy acknowledged the differing viewpoints within the casino industry regarding the proposed ban. He highlighted the concerns raised by the United Auto Workers (UAW), representing dealers, who advocate for the ban citing the discomfort caused by patrons smoking in close proximity. 

Conversely, he pointed out the reservations expressed by Local 54 of Unite Here, another prominent union, fearing adverse impacts on business if the ban were to be implemented.

Responding to the governor’s remarks, Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of CEASE, emphasized the lack of parity in the debate. He criticized Gov. Murphy for according legitimacy to what he termed as “casino industry scare tactics,” which he believes are fueled by unsubstantiated claims. 

Naccarelli asserted that independent research, based on current data, indicates that casinos could actually experience enhanced revenue in a smoke-free environment. He called upon Gov. Murphy to exhibit leadership in safeguarding the well-being of workers, stressing that no one should be compelled to compromise their health for the sake of employment.

Atlantic City Casino Workers’ Lawsuit Faces Setback Amid Hearing Postponement

CEASE, in collaboration with UAW Region 9, has taken legal action against Gov. Murphy and the state health commissioner, contesting the exemption granted to casinos from the Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006. A court hearing to address the matter has been scheduled for May 13, underscoring the escalating tensions surrounding the issue.

The postponement of the anticipated hearing for the lawsuit seeking a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos, filed by workers represented by CEASE and the UAW union, presents a setback in their efforts for safer workplaces. 

Pete Naccarelli previously expressed frustration over the delay, highlighting the continued health risks faced by thousands of workers. Despite opposition from the Casino Association of New Jersey, workers remain determined to pursue a comprehensive ban, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding health and constitutional rights.

Workers in Atlantic City casinos, represented by the UAW, resorted to legal action by filing the lawsuit challenging the exemption that allows smoking in gambling establishments, arguing it violates equal protection under the law. 

This move reflects ongoing efforts to address concerns about workplace safety amid the industry’s resistance to banning smoking, sparking similar campaigns in other states such as Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Virginia, and drawing attention to the broader issue of workers’ rights in the gaming sector.

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The anticipated hearing for the lawsuit filed by Atlantic City casino workers seeking a smoking ban has been postponed, marking a significant setback in their ongoing fight for safer working conditions. Initially scheduled for April 25, the hearing has been delayed by two weeks following a request from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office.

Lawsuit Delay Heightens Battle Against Smoking in Atlantic City Casinos

This delay comes amidst a longstanding effort by the Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union to challenge the exemption allowing smoking in Atlantic City casinos. Their lawsuit contends that the exemption violates the principle of equal protection under the law and is unconstitutional.

Expressing frustration over the delay, Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of CEASE, highlighted the continued exposure of tens of thousands of casino workers to hazardous secondhand smoke. He emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, asserting that the current environment not only poses dangers but also infringes upon workers’ constitutional rights.

The postponement of the hearing adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue. Workers, represented by the UAW, have long advocated for a smoking ban in casinos, citing concerns about their health and safety. 

Similar campaigns in other states such as Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Virginia have underscored the broader significance of this issue, resonating with workers across the country.

Casinos Maintain Stance Against Smoking Prohibition

Recent financial reports revealing a downturn in physical visits to Atlantic City’s casinos have heightened concerns. However, workers and union leaders assert that implementing a smoking ban is imperative to safeguard the well-being of both employees and customers, viewing it as a crucial step toward addressing the city’s existing challenges.

Earlier this year, Sen. John Burzichelli presented a bill aimed at addressing the grievances of both workers and the casino sector. However, the proposed legislation was heavily skewed in favor of casinos, leading workers to advocate for a comprehensive ban to reject it. 

Despite growing calls for a smoking ban, the Casino Association of New Jersey remains steadfast in its opposition, citing apprehensions regarding its potential impact on competitiveness with neighboring states. Nevertheless, workers are resolute in their pursuit of change through legal means. The quest for improved working conditions has struck a chord across New Jersey, garnering widespread public backing.

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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.

The post Workers File Lawsuit to Overturn Atlantic City Casino Smoking Exemption appeared first on Keno Wizard.

During the pandemic a few years ago, casinos across the United States temporarily banned smoking indoors. While in some venues, this policy lasted as long as the pandemic did, others saw an opportunity to eliminate indoor smoking, leaving the ban permanently. For years, the sector warned about decreases in visitation and gaming revenues as a result of the implementation of an indoor smoking ban. Yet, more media reports and data disclosed by casinos hint that those fears may be unfound.

Currently, close to a dozen US states allow smoking inside casinos. Kansas is one of those states, where efforts against the elimination of smoking on the casino floors continue. Earlier this week, a new proposal was introduced, calling for closing the existing loophole that permits smoking inside casinos across the state. Details regarding the proposal, House Bill 2622 (HB 2622), were released earlier this week.

Sponsors of the bill include Reps. Owen Donohoe, David Buehler, Sydney Carlin, Ford Carr, and Dennis Highberger. On Tuesday, HB2622 was introduced and referred to the House’s Committee on Health and Human Services. The next move for the proposal is a hearing scheduled for next week Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Anti-smoking Group Supports the New Proposal

The latest effort of lawmakers in the state was met with approval from the group of casino workers fighting against smoking inside casino establishments, Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) Kansas. Joe Hafley, CEASE Kansas’ founder and security employee at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, who was cited by KCTV, highlighted the long-term efforts of casino workers to eliminate indoor smoking.

“For too long, casino workers like myself have had to endure the hazardous conditions of secondhand smoke, all in the name of a paycheck.“

Joe Hafley, founder of CEASE Kansas

Explaining that he participated in this fight, he said it was devastating to see how people are forced to accept hazardous conditions such as secondhand smoke in exchange for a paycheck. “It’s not just about the cards, slots and profits; this bill is a beacon of hope for the hardworking people in our industry, signaling that our health and well-being matter,” added Hafley. Finally, he explained that casino employees should not have to make a choice between their paycheck and their well-being.

Elsewhere, in another US state where smoking inside casinos is permitted, New Jersey, a smoking ban is getting closer to becoming a reality. A proposal that calls to eliminate smoking inside casinos is making its way forward after securing approval from the New Jersey Senate Health Committee. Yet, nothing is certain for the moment as the bill still has a long way to go.

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The ongoing battle over the future of smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos continues with a major victory for the proponents of the controversial smoking ban. However, the war is yet to be won.

The latest development saw an anti-casino smoking measure move forward after three years of intense discussions between pro-smoking and anti-smoking activists. The bill was now approved by the New Jersey Senate health committee, sparking hopes among the latter camp.

Following the advancement of the anti-casino smoking bill, a confrontation between the two camps erupted. People screamed at one another as anti-smoking activists rejoiced.

For reference, Atlantic City’s nine casinos can currently turn up to 25% of their gaming area into a smoking area. However, this means that employees responsible for that area must breathe cigarette smoke all shift long, exposing them to a variety of health problems.

Casino operators fear introducing a smoking ban as it may impact their business. Some believe that patrons who go outside to have a smoke may decide to call it a day. Others fear that fervent smokers will simply go to play in Philadelphia.

Because of that, operators have long been seeking a compromise, such as smoking rooms. However, this would still require employees to man said rooms.

In any case, the bill will now go to the Senate for a vote. In order for the measure to pass, an identical bill must also be approved by an Assembly committee and voted upon by the full chamber. Finally, it would be up to Governor Phil Murphy to sign the measure into law.

The Industry Says the Ban Would Be an “Economic Catastrophe”

Casino industry supporters conceded that smoking is harmful but warned that a smoking ban may, at the very least, lead to layoffs. Donna DeCaprio, president of the Local 54 of the Unite Here union, a group representing hospitality staff, warned that as many as 3,000 of the 50,000 casino jobs in the city could disappear.

DeCaprio also predicts the potential closure of three of Atlantic City’s casinos, saying that a total ban on smoking is going to result in an “economic catastrophe.”

However, Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, pointed out that, according to polls, more people would be inclined to visit the city’s casinos. In addition, previous surveys have found no proof that a ban on smoking would hurt casino operators’ business.

Senator Shirley Turner, on the other hand, was firm that Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between their job or their health.

The post Atlantic City’s Smoking Ban Is One Step Closer to Reality appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Atlantic City casino workers continue their fight for a smoke-free work environment. Their last battlefield was, unexpectedly, a senator’s office.

Representatives of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) and United Casino Workers (UAW) were staging a protest against Senator Vince Polistina’s recent change of heart. Polistina, who previously supported the smoke-free movements, recently agreed to allow casinos to seek compromise solutions.

As the temperatures outside plummeted, the activists were invited to discuss the matter inside.

CEASE Says Workers Will Be Forced to “Volunteer”

Under New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act, casinos can dedicate up to a quarter of their indoor gaming space as a smoking area. Opponents of this exemption say that it jeopardizes the health of casino workers who have to bear the smoke for hours at a time. However, casino operators believe that a ban would hurt their business.

While proponents of the ban have pointed out that casinos in other states have banned smoking with little to no effect on their business, AC operators remain adamant that they do not want smoking to go.

As a result, some have proposed compromise measures, such as enclosed smoking spaces. Under this solution, only volunteering workers would be dealing in these spaces. However, CEASE argues that operators would simply force workers to volunteer.

According to CEASE, casinos have previously put a pregnant woman and a person battling cancer at smoking tables.

Polistina Would Still Vote in Favor of Banning Smoking

Polistina told the activists that he agreed with them and that New Jersey should move on from indoor smoking. However, he had to change his stance because of politics, noting that the South Jersey Democratic delegation lost seats recently, making the fight for a smoking ban an uphill battle.

In addition, Polistina pointed out that Unite Here Local 54, another union representing casino staff, opposes the ban as it also believes that it would cause patrons to go elsewhere. Local 54 represents hospitality sector workers and has many more members than UAW, giving it a lot of leverage when it comes to such matters.

Despite that, Senator Polistina promised to vote in favor of a casino smoking ban if such a measure comes up for a vote in the Senate.

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The war over the future of smoking at New Jersey’s casinos continues as proponents of a smoking ban announce plans for the formation of a new political action committee. The initiative is led by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a group of Atlantic City casino employees that is determined to end indoor smoking in all NJ casinos.

The organization’s decision to form a PAC comes in the wake of Senator Vince Polistina’s alleged “political games with thousands of his constituents’ lives.” According to Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of CEASE and a table games dealer, Polistina has “revealed himself to be untrustworthy.”

After coming to our first rally in August 2021, recruiting co-sponsors to S264 and A2151, speaking out on our behalf at every turn, he’s now copying and pasting casino executive talking points and attempting to present them as a credible solution. It’s shameful and disgusting.

Pete Naccarelli, co-founder, CEASE

Naccarelli accused Polistina of choosing to be a “front for the casinos” instead of a “backstop for his constituents.”

Naccarelli added that CEASE is now stronger than ever and is supported by thousands of AC casino workers. While he admitted that most of CEASE’s members are new to politics, he said that they have all learned that pressure and accountability are critical. Because of that, the organization will now form a new PAC to support its supporters.

We are fighting for our lives and will battle on all fronts to pass this legislation to end indoor smoking at our workplaces.

Pete Naccarelli, co-founder, CEASE

Dealers Have to Bear with the Smoke for Hours Every Day

New Jersey lawmakers continue to receive pressure to pass a measure that would end casinos’ exemption from the state’s indoor smoking ban. United Auto Workers (UAW) president Shawn Fain added to the pressure, urging politicians to not make a compromise with casino workers’ health.

Fain emphasized that casino patrons blow tobacco smoke directly into employees’ faces for eight hours, thus exposing them to a variety of health problems. Because of the nature of their work, dealers cannot take their eyes away from the table and have to “bear through the thick smoke that surrounds their workplace,” Fain argued.

In spite of the arguments provided by proponents of a ban on smoking, casino representatives believe that such a measure may undermine their profits. While other casinos across the US have already banned smoking without losing revenue, AC’s casinos are still reluctant to accept such a change.

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For nearly two decades, casinos in Atlantic City have been exempt from the statewide ban that prohibits smoking within public areas across New Jersey. The exemption in the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act enabled casino operators to allow indoor smoking for up to 25% of their gaming floors. During the pandemic, Atlantic City’s casinos banned indoor smoking temporarily. However, with the pandemic residing, indoor smoking was reinstated. Unlike other states where the temporary smoking ban became the new normal, operators in Atlantic City continue to fear the possible negative impact of such a measure.

Despite fears, one proposal that calls to close the existing smoking loophole in the legislation is gaining traction in New Jersey. Senate Bill 264 (SB 264) proposes the elimination of the smoking ban exemption that is applicable to casinos and simulcasting facilities. The bill’s primary sponsors are Joseph Vitale and Shirley Turner, but it is also co-sponsored by two dozen lawmakers.

The proposal marks the latest effort by lawmakers that want to put an end to the exemption of smoking for casinos. Enjoying bipartisan support, SB 264 gained traction recently after it was heard by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. Supporters of the proposal hope for it to gain further traction and those efforts come at a time when bills can advance at a faster pace ahead of January, which marks the expiration of the legislative session.

The latest progress comes after a hearing with the Assembly dating back to March. At the time, supporters of the new proposal, as well as opponents, were heard. Besides bipartisan support, the smoking ban is backed by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), a group that fights against smoking inside casinos.

Smoking Ban Opponents Voice Their Concerns

Despite the concerns about the impact of smoking on casino employees’ health, not everyone agrees with the proposed smoke ban in New Jersey. Groups against the smoking ban continue to claim that it may result in significant losses for casino operators. They claim that in turn, this can result in layoffs and reducing the number of employees.

Previously, Unite Here claimed that a smoking ban could have a devastating impact on Atlantic City’s casino sector. According to them, the implementation of a smoke ban may decrease gross gaming revenues for casinos by a staggering 11%.

Contradictory to anti-smoking groups, supporters of the smoke ban claimed that it wouldn’t have such a dire impact on the casino sector. Supporting this statement, the groups reiterated that a temporary ban imposed due to the pandemic did not hurt the sector.

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Pennsylvania’s House Health Committee is set to vote on a measure that would ban smoking at the state’s 17 casinos. Under House Bill 1657, known as the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act, all kinds of smoking, including electronic cigarettes, would be banned from casinos, bars and private clubs in Pennsylvania.

The bill seeks to patch a loophole in the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act that exempts casinos, private clubs, bars and tobacco shops from the indoor smoking ban. Introduced in 2008, the original law allows casinos to designate up to half of their gaming area as a smoker’s area.

However, the original law doesn’t sit well with all casino workers as many claim that the exemption exposes them to secondhand smoke and endangers their health.

Under House Bill 1675, the smoking exemption for casinos, bars and clubs would be eliminated. However, tobacco shops would still be allowed to offer indoor smoking.

Frankel Is Optimistic about the Measure

The bill is promoted by Rep. Dan Frankel, chair of the House Health Committee. The committee will convene in Harrisburg today to vote on the bill but Frankel is fairly confident that the body will pass the measure.

Earlier this month, Frankel said that it is high time to create legislation that doesn’t jeopardize the health of club and casino workers, forcing them to “choose between their paycheck and their health.”

Fifteen years ago, this commonwealth took an enormous step forward in ensuring that our workers are not forced to breathe in toxic smoke — it’s time to finish the job.

Rep. Dan Frankel

Echoing the discussion in New Jersey, Pennsylvanian casinos have expressed their concerns about the measure, claiming that it can hurt their revenues. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, gambling properties remain convinced that smoking bans would alienate casino goers.

However, proponents of the ban in Pennsylvania have pointed out that Parx’s Bensalem casino prohibits smoking and still generates more revenue than its local competitors. In addition, the prohibition the Bensalem and Shippensburg casinos have adopted has significantly bolstered employee morale.

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