Pennsylvania legislators are taking steps to extend the state's smoking restrictions to casinos, private clubs, and certain bars. The House Health Committee voted 22-4 in favor of House Bill 880, known as the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act.
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania's House Health Committee advanced a bill to ban smoking in casinos
- The measure updates the 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act to include e-cigarettes and vaping
- Casinos are at the center of the debate, with Parx Casino already operating smoke-free
Sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel, the measure would amend the 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act and would erase longstanding exemptions that allowed smoking in gaming floors and other designated venues.
The proposal also broadens the law to cover e-cigarettes and vaping products, reflecting changing trends in tobacco use. While some locations would remain exempt, private clubs could only allow smoking if employees and members reapprove the policy every two years.
Casinos remain a central focus of the legislation. Parx Casino in Bucks County went smoke-free during the pandemic and has continued with the policy, citing benefits for staff and customers. If adopted, the bill would align all Pennsylvania casinos with Parx's approach.
The measure now heads to the House floor, while a companion bill is under consideration in the Senate.
Rhode Island approves smoking ban with casino compromise
Pennsylvania isn’t the only state tackling smoking in casinos. In June, Rhode Island lawmakers passed legislation ending exemptions for casinos under the state's workplace smoking ban. The measure, led by Rep. V. Susan Sosnowski, repeals a carveout for gambling venues but includes an amendment permitting enclosed smoking lounges with dedicated ventilation.
Sosnowski, who authored the original workplace safety law more than 20 years ago, emphasized that the priority is ensuring employees can work in healthy environments. The bill sets a delayed start date of July 1, 2027, to give operators time to adapt.
Bally's Corporation, which runs the Twin River and Tiverton casinos, had opposed a full ban, warning of potential revenue losses. The company welcomed the compromise, stating that it balanced public health concerns with patron preferences. The legislation now awaits the governor's approval, following years of employee advocacy for smoke-free casino workplaces.
Pennsylvania Senate advances casino reform bill
While lawmakers debate smoking rules, Pennsylvania's Senate has turned to other reforms aimed at modernizing casino operations. Senators voted in August to pass a bill lowering the minimum number of slot machines that casinos are required to operate.
The measure responds to evolving consumer preferences, with players increasingly opting for Pennsylvania online casinos and legal online sportsbooks over traditional slot machines. In August alone, iGaming in the state increased by 25.9% year-over-year, while sports wagering rose by 63.8%.
Proponents of the measure claimed that casinos require adaptability to reassess space allocation to dining, entertainment, and new ways of gaming. However, concerns were raised among some legislators over job losses and tax revenue.
The legislation sailed through with overwhelming approval and was forwarded to the state House for a vote.
