In recent years, the push for a smoking ban in Rhode Island casinos has become one of the key battles for casino workers. For a long time, these employees, often exposed to secondhand smoke during their long shifts, have raised concerns about their health. It’s not just about individual well-being but also about social justice and workplace equity. However, despite the efforts, the path to gaining approval for a smoking ban in casinos has been fraught with legislative obstacles and political resistance.
In February 2025, a survey conducted by the Rhode Island AFL-CIO provided a positive sign for the supporters of the smoking ban. 69% of respondents showed support for a smoking ban in casinos across the state, a result that even surprised the most skeptical. This outcome, which includes a broad range of political opinions, clearly demonstrates that public opinion is ready for change. Support was broad among Republicans (57%) and Democrats (78%), showing that the issue transcends party lines. Furthermore, 70% of non-unionized respondents declared their support for a smoking ban in casinos.
Political Support and Company Rejection
Despite the strong public support, the casinos themselves are not always in favor of the ban. Bally’s Corporation, which operates the state’s main casino, initially expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on revenues stemming from smoking. The fear of losing a significant portion of the clientele is one of the reasons some casino operators are reluctant to embrace a smoke-free policy. However, casino workers, supported by the CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects) movement, continue to push for the ban, emphasizing the risks associated with secondhand smoke. Bill DelSanto, a table games dealer at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, spoke about his experience, recounting how continuous exposure to smoke negatively affected his health. Testimonies like this have raised public awareness and pushed for reconsidering the position of casinos.
Legislative Efforts: Steps Forward and Obstacles
Rhode Island lawmakers have taken note of these requests, and in 2024, the bill S438 was proposed to remove the casino exemption from the state smoking ban law. Despite the fact that the law seems imminent, supporters have faced political resistance, particularly from those who fear the economic impact of such a policy. Despite this, progress is evident, with several state Congress members expressing support for the legislation.
Meanwhile, casinos have not remained completely still. Bally’s Twin River Lincoln, for example, has begun to expand its non-smoking areas, adding new smoke-free sections within the casino. This attempt to adapt to the needs of a clientele that is increasingly health-conscious has shown that a balance between the demand for smoke-free environments and the customer experience is possible. However, not all casinos have adapted quickly to these requests.
Support from the Health Sector and the Transformation of Company Policies
The support of the State Treasurer, James Diossa, was another significant step forward. Diossa expressed his support for a smoke-free policy in casinos. Support for health protection policies for workers is not limited to local politicians, as health organizations and professionals have also backed the movement. Some studies have shown that exposure to secondhand smoke in casinos significantly increases health risks, with cases of heart disease and respiratory issues among casino workers. These scientific data provide further justification for the smoking ban.
A Model for Other States
If Rhode Island were to pass the smoking ban law, it could become a model for other states facing the same issues. Many states have adopted similar policies in other sectors, but casinos have often been exempted, creating a disparity between the treatment of other workplaces and those in gaming. A casino smoking ban could, therefore, serve as an example of how laws evolve to address new health and public welfare needs.
Conclusions: A Smoke-Free Future for Casinos
The long battle for a smoking ban in Rhode Island casinos is far from over, but recent developments suggest that workers may finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. With strong public support, progress in company policies, and broad backing from health institutions, the smoking ban could soon become a reality, protecting the health of thousands of workers and creating a healthier environment for visitors as well. If approved, the law would represent a milestone for the casino industry and for the protection of worker health across the country.
