There are renewed efforts to bring smoking in casinos to an end in Pennsylvania. The American Nonsmokers’ Rights (or the ANR), with the leadership of State Representative Dan Frankel (D), have once again picked up the fight against second hand smoke in state casinos. The new legislation they’re supporting would close the casino loophole in the law and extend the state wide indoor smoking ban to all gaming establishments, and plans are to introduce the new legislation this session.
The Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008 banned lighting up in most indoor workplaces across Pennsylvania, but smoking in casinos was given an exemption. Since then, casino have set aside designated smoking areas. However, employees still have concerns that this exemption jeopardizes their health. Public health advocates and casino workers have been urging more lawmakers to co-sponsor the bill, emphasizing that Pennsylvania should follow the lead of other states that have fully banned smoking in indoor gaming spaces.
The ANR, which has supported similar efforts in New Jersey, has also called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to take strong action. ANR CEO Cynthia Hallett highlighted the serious long-term health effects of secondhand smoke and the dangers faced by casino workers. Still, there are voices in the gaming corporations that worry about falling profits and lost business associated with a ban on smoking in casinos. However, that may not be an issue.
Representative Frankel has highlighted the success of Parx Casino in Bensalem, which voluntarily opted to remain smoke-free after pandemic-related restrictions were lifted in 2022. The casino’s decision to ban indoor smoking did not result in a revenue drop, as Parx generated $569.8 million in slots and table game revenue in 2024—more than any other casino in Pennsylvania. Frankel had previously introduced the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act, which passed through Committee in 2023 but stalled before reaching a full vote.
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