Summary:
- The casinos will now have similar smoking policies to Wynn Resorts.
- Cigarettes, cigars, and vapes are allowed at all table games on the casino floors.
- Marijuana products remain prohibited.
While most casinos seem to be shying away from smoking, the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas have decided to reinstate smoking policies.
The two casinos will now act according to the policies of Wynn Resorts, offering smoking at the gaming tables. Non-smoking tables will only be offered on a case-by-case basis.
Smoking Reinstated on November 6
Starting November 6, the Venetian and Palazzo decided to allow players to smoke cigarettes, cigars, and vapes on the casino floor while playing table games. Players are not allowed to have marijuana products at the tables.
Players who want to enjoy table games smoke-free can ask for a non-smoking table. The table games supervisor or something with authority should provide access to a smoke-free table. The company says the changes result from feedback from players on the smoking policy. A rules modification was made to help the casinos remain competitive in the market.
The policy change is similar to the one at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas that is not advertised. Players can walk up to an empty table and ask for non-smoking. A sign is then placed at the table so players know that smoking is not allowed.
Health Groups Criticize the Policy
Advocacy groups for non-smoking casinos are not happy with the change, and the Americans for Nonsmoker’s Rights are speaking up. The policy is considered a smokescreen for other policies that casinos should be enacting.
President and CEO of the group, Cynthia Hallet, stated that partial smoking policies do not address the health concerns of venue guests and employees. Secondhand smoke does not remain in the designated boundaries and can affect anyone throughout the property.
Hallet pointed out that designated smoking areas do not stop the pervasive risks of smoking. She said it is troubling that dealers must rely on patrons to ask for non-smoking requests to avoid a health-risk work environment.
Smoking remains a hot topic in Nevada as there are no restrictions in place by the state. There is only one casino that does not allow smoking, and it is not one of the more popular venues. Park MGM enacted a smoking ban in 2020. This year, a non-smoking gaming parlor was added to the Plaza located downtown to offer more smoke-free gaming.
It appears as though smoking is not going away any time soon, and players will still be able to do so in various areas of casinos across Sin City.
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