Legislation Proposed to Prohibit Smoking in Casinos Owned by Kansas Entities
Kansas State's Casinos Brace for Potential Smoking Ban
The Kansas legislature is on a lengthy recess, but the state's casinos are already preparing for a possible change in their smoking policies.
According to Wichita's KWCH, several bills are currently in the works that would prohibit smoking at Kansas' four state-owned casinos: Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel in Pittsburg, and Kansas Star Casino in Sumner County. It should be noted that tribal-owned casinos would reportedly be exempt from any potential legislation. The next Kansas legislative session commences on January 13, 2025.
A group of casino workers, led by Joe Hafley of CEASE Kansas – an organization that recently received the American Lung Association's Unsung Hero award – is advocating for a smoke-free casino environment. Hafley, a security guard at Hollywood Casino, emphasized the negative impact of second-hand smoke on casino staff. "It'd be nice to not have to take a shower after the day, when I get off work," Hafley told KWCH, noting the contamination that workers bring home to their families.
Lawmakers in Missouri are considering similar measures, aligning with a broader national trend toward banning smoking in indoor casino facilities.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, casino workers have been vocal advocates for a smoke-free casino environment, but have faced ongoing setbacks in their efforts. The state's casinos allow smoking on 25% of floor space, although this legislation has garnered significant public support – 83% of South Jersey voters favor a smoking ban in Atlantic City casinos according to a March 2025 poll.
Despite the strong public backing, state Senator Vince Polistina, who had previously been in favor of a casino smoking ban, unexpectedly reversed course on the legislation when it was about to be put to a vote. This prompted casino workers to take legal action, filing a lawsuit to close the casino smoking loophole, but their efforts were recently dismissed by Judge Patrick Bartels in late August. The plaintiffs have announced their intention to appeal the decision to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
The casino-and-gambling industry in Kansas is not just bracing for a potential smoking ban in state-owned casinos, but also monitoring gambling trends as lawmakers in Missouri consider similar measures, mirroring a broader national movement towards smoke-free casino culture. Casino workers, such as Joe Hafley of CEASE Kansas, are advocating for these changes, citing concerns about the negative health impacts of second-hand smoke and the associated casino-games environment.
