Bally's Rhode Island casinos ban smoking at table games after lawmaker-backed workers' rally

New rules went into effect Friday morning, banning smoking at table games at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Tiverton casinos, following a workers’ rally last week asking for this measure to be enforced, noting the health hazards associated with secondhand smoke. 

From now on, customers who wish to smoke must leave the table and use a smoking receptacle on the outer perimeter of the table games area, according to spokeswoman Patti Doyle. Ashtrays have been removed from the tables, and signage has been posted in the facilities to indicate the new ban has already been enforced. 

Last week, Rep. Teresa Tanzi joined the casino workers and supported the inclusion of the sector in the Bill she sponsors (legislation 2022-H 7855), to remove the exemption for gaming facilities in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act, a move supported by Laborers International Union of North America, Local 271, which represents casino workers in Rhode Island.

“Casino workers are Rhode Islanders, parents, caregivers, taxpayers and human beings, and they deserve the same protection as everyone else in our state”, Tanzi said, according to What’s Up in Newport. Tarzi's legislation was heard by the House Finance Committee on April 13 and held for future study.  

Bally’s representatives have expressed opposition to the bill, saying that there are already smoke-free areas in both casinos. Supporters point out that allowing smoking is no longer necessary for successful business in casinos, given Massachusetts and most Connecticut properties, for instance, do not allow indoor smoking. The Encore Boston Harbor casino, which is 100% smoke-free, is the top competitor for the casinos in the area, biting into Rhode Island’s revenue from table games, video lottery terminals and sports.

Smoking was temporarily banned at the casinos when they were first reopened post-covid shutdown, and was later reinstated as the entertainment industry transitioned into a state of normalcy. 

In parallel, the union that represents casino dealers in Atlantic City has also called on New Jersey lawmakers to ban smoking in casinos, backing a casino smoking ban proposal that has been gaining momentum in the legislature. Back in April, and following a rally organized by the group Casino Employees Against Smoking’s (Harmful) Effects (CEASE), the United Auto Workers sent a letter to state legislators urging them to hold hearings on legislation that could close a loophole in state law, which eliminated smoking in all New Jersey workplaces sixteen years ago while specifically exempting casinos and simulcasting facilities.