Rhode Island moves to end casino smoking exemption by 2027

Rhode Island lawmakers have passed a bill repealing the exemption that allowed smoking inside the state’s casinos, setting a timeline to phase out smoking in gambling facilities by July 1, 2027.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. V. Susan Sosnowski, amends the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act to apply the state’s smoke-free workplace requirement to casinos.

The legislation was amended to introduce a provision allowing the construction of designated smoking lounges. These lounges must be enclosed and equipped with ventilation systems designed to prevent smoke from entering smoke-free areas.

Sosnowski, who sponsored the original workplace safety law more than 20 years ago, said the bill is intended to protect the health of casino workers while recognizing the importance of gaming revenue to the state.

Sosnowski initially proposed a total ban without delay, but the final version of the bill pushes implementation three years out to allow casinos time to adapt. The delay was a concession to Bally’s Corporation, which operates both the Twin River and Tiverton casinos in the state. Bally’s had raised concerns that an immediate and total ban could reduce patronage and affect revenue.

Casino operator response and revenue concerns

In a statement issued to 12 News, Bally’s Corporation said it appreciated the legislature’s approach to balancing competing concerns. The company stated that it was grateful for the compromise and the opportunity to continue serving patrons who smoke within designated areas.

Bally’s had lobbied against an outright ban, warning that prohibiting smoking altogether could drive away customers who prefer to smoke while gambling. The company is now assessing the impact of the future smoking restrictions and hopes that the inclusion of smoking lounges and the extended timeline will help minimize potential revenue losses.

The new bill still requires the signature of Gov. Dan McKee to become law.

Employee advocacy and pandemic influence

Efforts to extend smoking bans to casinos have been ongoing, particularly from casino workers who have advocated for the change, citing workplace health concerns. These efforts intensified following the temporary suspension of indoor smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic. That ban was lifted by the state’s casinos in March 2022.

Workers and advocacy groups have argued that the health risks of secondhand smoke should not be tolerated in any workplace, including gambling establishments. The approved legislation signals a shift toward aligning casino regulations with broader public health standards applicable to other industries in the state.

If signed into law, the measure would give Rhode Island casinos until mid-2027 to implement changes required under the amended workplace safety law.