Going Smoke-Free in Pennsylvania's Casinos: A Healthier, Happier Gaming Experience
Proposed Legislation Aims to Enforce Smoke-Free Casinos in Pennsylvania
Got a cough while playing poker in Pennsyvania? It might not just be your luck at the table. However, gamblers may soon find relief as Rep. Dan Frankel introduces HB 1657, a bill aimed at shooing smokes out of the Keystone State's brick-and-mortar casinos. This move intends to close a long-standing loophole in Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008.
Uniting for a Cleaner Casino Air
Devotees of fresh air and the non-smoking crowd have a strong advocate in the Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights (ANR), a non-profit fighting for smoke-free environments. The ANR throws its weight behind the smoke-free casino initiative, believing casinos can boost employee health and customer satisfaction by banning indoor smoking. The ANR encourages Pennsylvania legislators to speedily pass the bill to protect casino goers seeking a smoke-free environment.
A Puff Less Could Mean Less Harm
While not every gambler puffs away, the American Cancer Society (ACS) warns that entering a casino that allows smoking exposes visitors to potential hazards. Researchers have found higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents in the lungs of casino attendees and elevated levels of nicotine and smoke particles within smoking-permitting casinos. Smoke-free policies have been demonstrated to diminish long-term health risks among employees, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.
The ANR reveals that casinos with indoor smoking have secondhand smoke levels 5.4 times higher than smoke-free establishments, even in areas designated as non-smoking. In smoking-permitted casinos, even the no-smoking zones have secondhand smoke levels 72% higher than smoke-free venues. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study on secondhand smoke in Las Vegas casinos impresses the need for smoking bans to protect employees and tourists.
Rep. Dan Frankel bets on the fact that a robust majority of Americans prefer smoke-free public spaces. With a minimal percentage of the population still smoking, the trend is clear: people want to revel in public places without being exposed to potentially harmful secondhand smoke. Frankel's bill aims to guarantee that individuals can prioritize their health without jeopardizing their livelihoods.
Pennsylvania casinos might follow Parx Casino's lead by becoming smoke-free, much like Parx has since 2020. With smoke-free policies, Parx Casino has reported lower health insurance costs, fewer employee sick days, and higher employee morale.
A smoke-free casino scene could bring a breath of fresh air for gamblers, casinos, and the state's health-conscious residents. Construction crews, cleaners, and casino employees might even savor the reduced exposure to secondhand smoke. Additionally, the move could attract new visitors, provide casinos with a competitive edge, and help Pennsylvania align with emerging smoking laws in various states.
So, the next time you roll the dice in Pennsylvania, remember that fresh air could be just a bill away. Stay posted for updates on the smoke-free casino movement in the Keystone State!
- The Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights (ANR) advocates for Pennsylvania legislators to pass HB 1657 swiftly, seeking to protect casino-goers longing for a smoke-free environment.
- Research conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that entering casinos not implementing a smoking ban exposes visitors to potential cancer-causing agents in their lungs.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of smoking bans in casinos, with their study on secondhand smoke in Las Vegas casinos highlighting the need to protect employees and tourists.
- With a smoke-free policy, Parx Casino, for instance, has observed lower health insurance costs and fewer employee sick days since 2020, demonstrating the potential benefits for Pennsylvania casinos.5.Implementing smoke-free casino policies could bring about various advantages, such as reduced exposure to secondhand smoke for casino workers, increased appeal to health-conscious visitors, and a competitive edge for casinos aligning with emerging smoking laws in other states.
