Those who have watched casino-themed movies from the 1970s and 1980s surely remember iconic scenes showing players smoking freely on the gaming floor. Even in real life, poker players puffing a large cigar or slot enthusiasts lighting a cigarette before having another go at spinning the reels were not uncommon sights. However, over the years, smoking policies in US casinos started to change.
In the following sections, we’ll cover all you need to know about the current legislation on smoke-free areas in casinos across the US and talk about the venues that still allow smoking on their premises.
Casinos That Allow Smoking
There are several states that still allow smoking on casino premises. However, all of that is subject to change, as we’ve seen with Atlantic City and New Jersey legislators pushing to pass a smoking ban in AC’s casinos.
While waiting for this situation to play out, you can check out our list of the top 5 casinos in the United States that still allow smoking.
MGM Grand, Nevada
MGM Grand is a bit specific in this regard. Namely, the resort still allows smoking in designated areas, while the same activity is strictly prohibited in hotel rooms and may incur fees of up to $1,000.
The famous resort is on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip and has one of the largest gaming floors in Sin City. Its casino is suitable for high-rollers and beginners alike, as you’ll be able to find tables with decent limits.
MGM Grand offers a wide selection of table games at different stakes, starting at $5. Players can try their hand at baccarat, blackjack, Texas Hold’em, and other casino classics. One-armed bandit enthusiasts won’t be left hanging either, as the casino houses tons of slots with denominations starting from a cent and going all the way to $1,000.
Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, Indiana
For our second spot, we’ll be moving to Indiana. Owned by Caesars Entertainment, Harrah’s Hoosier Casino is one of the rare venues that still tolerate smoking on their premises.
The single-level casino floor features around 2,000 slot machines with a wide range of denominations going from $0.01 to $100.
Those who want in on some high-stakes action can visit the exclusive high-limit gaming area that boasts high-limit slots, electronic blackjack, and video poker.
If you’re a non-smoker, there’s no need to worry because the casino has a top-quality filtration system and a smoke-free slot area.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Biloxi, Mississippi
This Mississippi casino and resort is operated by MGM Resorts International and owned by Vici Properties. The hotel is also the tallest building in Mississippi.
While the Beau Rivage generally allows smoking, the situation is slightly more complex than that. Namely, the visitors state that there are both smoking and non-smoking areas — overall, players can smoke at the slots, but not while playing table games.
The casino has a high-limit lounge, a spacious poker room hosting daily tournaments, and more than 1,800 of the hottest slot games. Players of all budgets will be able to find something for themselves at this Mississippi-based casino.
Seven Feathers Casino Resort, Oregon
Image by: Tedder, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This Oregon casino and resort is operated by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians. The casino floor spans over 68,000 square feet, which makes it one of the biggest facilities of this kind in Southern Oregon. While smoking is allowed on its premises, this casino also has one of the largest non-smoking areas in the state.
Seven Feathers features some of the hottest slot machines provided by AGS. As for table games, the thrilling casino classics such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps are all at your disposal. What’s more, poker fans will be able to enjoy:
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- 3-Card Poker
- 4-Card Poker
- Fortune Pai Gow Progressive Poker
Kansas Star Casino, Missouri
The casino/resort/event center is among those facilities that still permit smoking on their premises. However, keep in mind that smoking is allowed on the casino floor but not at the event center.
Casino goers can take advantage of the 1,500 newest slots and oldies, like Buffalo Grand, and 43 table games, including:
- Roulette
- 3-Card Poker
- Craps
- Baccarat
Non-smokers can also visit Kansas Star Casino, as it has a new non-smoking room featuring famous slots such as Dragon Link, Lightning Link, and Dancing Drums, as well as some video poker titles.
Are You Allowed to Smoke in Casinos?
We’ve already mentioned that the stance on smoking on casino premises has changed. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as the commercial casino industry has grown significantly since its humble beginnings — and, with it, the number of players, as well. The trend of casino gaming may have started in New Jersey and Nevada, but it soon spread to the entire country.
In fact, the casino industry generated gross revenue of $30 billion in 2020 alone. Since so many people visit land-based venues, it’s no wonder that the smoking rate in these establishments is extremely high compared to other places. In fact, one study showed that 50% of the casinos sampled had very high air pollution levels despite adequate ventilation measures.
As a result, a number of smoke-free policies have been implemented over the last few years. That is why many casinos across the US don’t allow smoking on gaming floors any longer, while some have designated areas for smokers. Then, there are places like Las Vegas, for instance, that allow smoking in those areas where minors are prohibited according to the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act from 2006.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation are the ones that oversee three types of gaming facilities, with the exclusion of establishments on Native American land, card or slots-only rooms, and off-track betting venues.
Therefore, the answer to the question of whether you’re allowed to smoke in casinos is a complex one. While some facilities ban smoking outright, others have either designated areas or ventilated rooms.
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