A recent poll conducted by the Nevada Tobacco Control and Smoke-free Coalition has revealed that a substantial majority of Nevada voters (58%) would support a law prohibiting smoking in all indoor workplaces, including casinos. This finding underscores growing public support for smoke-free environments and aligns with the efforts of public health advocates to strengthen clean air regulations.
The poll surveyed 800 registered Nevada voters and found that a significant 55% of respondents held a more favorable view of elected officials who supported a smoking ban, compared to 35% who opposed such a stance. This suggests that the issue of indoor smoking regulations may play a role in shaping voter preferences.
Notably, the poll results indicate that concerns about the economic impact of a smoking ban on casinos may not be as significant as previously thought. A considerable 43% of respondents expressed skepticism about claims that a ban would negatively affect casino revenue, while only 38% were convinced of such an impact. This finding suggests that the economic viability of casinos may not be heavily reliant on smoking revenue.
Public health advocates and worker safety organizations have long advocated for stricter smoking regulations in Nevada casinos, citing the well-documented health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure. Studies have shown that secondhand smoke in indoor casino areas can be up to 18 times more harmful than outdoor levels, posing significant health hazards to both employees and patrons, particularly in family-friendly areas like restaurants and arcades.
The poll results provide momentum for the Nevada Tobacco Control and Smoke-free Coalition and its allies to push for changes to the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, which currently exempts casinos and stand-alone bars from clean air regulations. The coalition is exploring various avenues, including legislation and public awareness campaigns, to achieve its goal of creating smoke-free indoor environments in all Nevada workplaces.
Industry representatives, such as the Nevada Resort Association, have not yet commented on the poll findings. However, labor unions representing casino workers have expressed support for smoke-free workplace policies. United Auto Workers (UAW), representing approximately 3,000 casino workers in Las Vegas, is actively pursuing legal action to close the loophole in Atlantic City’s smoking ban and supports the Nevada coalition’s efforts. Culinary Local 226, representing the majority of Strip hospitality workers, is closely monitoring the Atlantic City case but acknowledges the political challenges involved in implementing similar measures in Nevada.
