The U.S. Nonsmokers’ Rights Organization (ANR) commended the Kansas Senate for approving legislation that would prohibit smoking within casinos. This measure seeks to safeguard the well-being of both staff and customers and might even draw in new patrons who favor a gaming atmosphere free from smoke.
Cynthia Hallett, ANR President and CEO, issued a statement commending the collaborative effort of Kansas Senators from both parties. She stated, “Kansas casino employees, similar to their peers in an increasing number of states, have been urging legislators to take steps to finally abolish indoor smoking.” She further noted that the movement is gaining traction as workers are weary of having to choose between their health and earning a living.
This movement draws inspiration from the advocacy of casino workers in Atlantic City, who have been advocating for comparable smoking prohibitions. Indeed, their group, Casino Workers Against Smoking Impacts (CEASE), has grown nationally. They have joined forces with organizations in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania, aiming to eradicate indoor smoking in casinos throughout the nation.
From then on, they’ve forged robust relationships with gambling venue personnel in Kansas, Virginia, Nevada, and Indiana to tackle compulsive wagering. As CEASE co-founder Pete Nacarelli states: “This is not merely a fleeting period, it’s a continuous push for change.”