Cruisin' the Ocean State: A Look at Casino Smoke-Ups in Rhode Island
Under the fresh leadership in the Senate, supporters assert that the perfect moment has arrived to prohibit smoking in Rhode Island's gambling establishments.
Gettin' the lowdown on the lung-fillin' fun at Bally's? Let's talk relaxation with a side of smog, shall we?
Rhode Island's two Bally's casinos, the Twin River Lincoln Casino and the Tiverton Casino, are keepin' it old school with their smoke-friendly vibes, and it's all thanks to the late Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, who left us in April this year.
Now that Ruggerio's moved on, advocates are hopeful for a sea change, believe it or not. After countless attempts at lobbying for a smoke-free casino environment without luck, they're crossin' their fingers that with Ruggerio's departure, the General Assembly might finally pass a bill to make Bally's a bit more breathable.
In Vanessa Baker's words, she and the folks at Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) Rhode Island reckon Ruggerio was the elephant in the room, and with him gone, they might just have their shot at a vote to end the cruelty of the hazy environment they've been sufferin'.
However, Frank A. Ciccone III, the new Democratic majority leader, isn't exactly singin’ from the same hymn sheet. He's agreein' with Ruggerio that the state's coffers might take a hit if Bally's loses its smoke-friendly advantage.
Lemme give you the dealio on the latest scoop:
- The ongoing struggle: Since February 2025, House Bill 5464 and its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 188, have been introduced to eliminate indoor smoking in casinos and parimutuel facilities, aiming to plug the loophole in the state's clean air law. Rep. Teresa Tanzi and her troops have been workin' overtime since 2021, advocating for change due to health concerns for both staff and patrons[1].
- Leadin' the pack: Ruggerio's absence might just be the catalyst for a shift in the legislative landscape since he was seen as practically the smoke godfather of casino smokin'. But we'll have to wait and see how the Senate's new leadership plays out[2].
- Makin' their case: Bally's ain't backin' down without a fight. They're rallyin' the troops in Rhode Island's legislature to maintain their smoke privileges. They're claimin' that keepin' it smoky keeps their casinos a step ahead of neighboring states with smoking bans, like Massachusetts[1].
So, there ya have it. Is it gonna be smokin' love or fresh air at Bally's in Rhode Island? We'll be followin' the situation closely, so keep your eyes peeled, y'all! But remember, don't hold your breath, mate. The outcome is still up in the air.
- Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) Rhode Island, led by Vanessa Baker, hope that without Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, Rhode Island's General Assembly might finally pass a bill to end the smoking exemption for Bally's casinos, due to health concerns and a desire for a more breathable environment.
- Rep. Teresa Tanzi and her advocates have been pushing for House Bill 5464 and Senate Bill 188 since 2021, aiming to eliminate indoor smoking in casinos and parimutuel facilities and plug the loophole in the state's clean air law.
- Bally's casinos in Rhode Island are advocating to maintain their smoking privileges, claiming that keeping it smoky keeps their casinos a step ahead of neighboring states with smoking bans, such as Massachusetts.
