Atlantic City Casino Workers Clash Over Smoking Ban

Union leaders are divided on whether to prioritize worker health or potential job losses as calls to end casino smoking intensify.

Ray Jensen of the United Auto Workers has called for the resignation of Local 54 union leader Donna DeCaprio, accusing her of failing to protect workers from secondhand smoke in Atlantic City casinos.
DeCaprio argues that a smoking ban could lead to casino closures and the loss of 25,000 jobs, citing data showing smoking sections generate up to 72% of in-person casino revenue.
Workers' group CEASE has filed a legal appeal to overturn a court decision allowing smoking to continue, citing rising health issues among casino employees linked to secondhand smoke exposure.
A 2022 report by C3 Gaming found that smoke-free casinos in the Northeast have outperformed their smoking-allowed counterparts, challenging the industry's revenue concerns.
Governor Phil Murphy has pledged to sign a bill banning smoking in casinos if it reaches his desk, while the Casino Association of New Jersey warns of potential tax revenue losses for state programs.