Legislators Approve Partial Smoking Ban
Rhode Island lawmakers have passed a bill that will significantly reduce indoor smoking at casinos, marking a key moment for health advocates and casino employees. The measure, approved on the final day of the legislative session, now awaits Governor Dan McKee’s signature to become law.
If signed, the law will take effect on January 1, 2027, and will require casinos in Twin River and Tiverton to prohibit indoor smoking, with one exception—each casino will be allowed to maintain a single designated smoking lounge. This compromise seeks to protect workers from second-hand smoke while acknowledging industry concerns.
Health Concerns Versus Business Impact
The debate over smoking inside U.S. casinos has persisted for years. While many states have adopted general indoor smoking bans, exemptions often remain for gambling venues. Workers have been vocal in their opposition, arguing that these loopholes expose them to harmful conditions.
Casino staff nationwide continue to push for stricter protections, emphasizing that health should not be sacrificed for employment. Industry players, however, argue that banning indoor smoking could drive customers to casinos in nearby states where smoking is still allowed.
Bally’s, the operator of Rhode Island’s two casinos, has expressed concern about the financial impact of the restriction. Company representatives have warned that forcing players outside for smoke breaks could shorten their visits and hurt gaming revenues.
Bally’s Seeks Financial Relief in Response
In anticipation of potential losses from the smoking restriction, Bally’s lobbied for additional state support through SB 1112. This bill proposed increasing the marketing subsidy from $4 million to $6.75 million annually by consolidating promotional efforts for both the Twin River and Tiverton properties.
The goal was to counterbalance any decline in revenue caused by the indoor smoking limits. However, SB 1112 failed to gain sufficient legislative backing and was not passed.
Next Step: Governor’s Approval
The indoor smoking limitation now hinges on Governor McKee’s decision. While not a full ban, the legislation would significantly reduce exposure to smoke inside Rhode Island casinos. If enacted, it would signal a shift toward prioritizing employee well-being while still accommodating smokers within a restricted framework.
With increasing national momentum against casino smoking, Rhode Island’s partial ban adds pressure on other states still allowing widespread in-venue smoking to reevaluate their policies.
