Summary:
- Advocacy group CEASE is pushing for a smoking ban in state-run casinos across Kansas and Missouri.
- The potential ban could go into effect as early as 2025.
- Proposed legislation will be debated in the upcoming session.
If the bills aimed at banning smoking in casinos in Kansas and Missouri led by advocacy group Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) gain the traction they need, the two states could soon be looking at “No Smoking” signs popping up in state-operated venues.
Namely, the smoking ban could be implemented as early as 2025 provided the legislation proposed by lawmakers is given the green light during the upcoming session.
Mixed Feelings
“85% of Kansans and Missourians do not smoke” said Joe Hafley, the Kansas and Missouri founder of CEASE.
We have lots and lots of support [from] different groups—American Heart, American Lung, Americans for Non-Smokers Rights.
He also explained that smokers will not be left without options, giving the example of casinos like 7th Street Casino, owned by a Native American tribe, which would remain unaffected by the proposed ban.
For some casino patrons, the potential ban sparked mixed feelings. “I probably wouldn’t go as much because there’s no kids around, and that was the whole reason for banning it in restaurants and stuff” said Melissa Dancer, a customer in Kansas City, Kansas.
This is like the only place we can escape without kids. They should not ban smoking in casinos.
Others saw the move as a positive change. Mattie Coleman, a visitor at 7th Street Casino, said,
I smoke myself and I’m about to quit, so that would probably be a good deal. Everybody won’t be breathing it, inhaling it, and [there’d be] no secondhand smoke.
Clifton Milton noted, “For each its own, I think that it’s best to just keep it where it is.”
Customers “Can Vote With Their Pocketbooks”
Jeff Morris, Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations for Penn Entertainment, which operates Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, and Argosy in Riverside, Missouri, highlighted the company’s approach to balancing customer preferences.
We use state-of-the-art ventilation systems, extremely high ceilings, and adequate separation of smoking and non-smoking areas
He emphasized that customer preferences play a significant role.
The real power at the end of the day on this issue rests with our customers who can vote with their pocketbooks
Legislators in Missouri and Kansas will go back to their respective capitols in January. Hafley is already planning advocacy events in both states to push for the legislation.
“It’d be nice to not have to take a shower after the day, when I get off work, as soon as I get home” Hafley said, underscoring the fact that the smoke gets on their clothes and is carried inside homes where all family members then get exposed to it.
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