The Debate Over Indoor Smoking at Norfolk’s Casino: Health Risks and Gambling Concerns
The impending opening of Norfolk’s new casino has ignited a heated national dialogue concerning public health and gambling addiction. Advocates for anti-smoking policies are raising alarms about the potential dangers of allowing indoor smoking in casinos, asserting that it jeopardizes the health of both patrons and employees. As the casino prepares to break ground on its site, voices from various corners of the community are weighing in.
Health Hazards for Workers and Patrons
Juana Wilson, a representative from the Virginia chapter of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, highlights the difficult choice many workers may face—prioritizing their health or earning a paycheck. “No worker should ever have to choose between their health and a paycheck, but that’s exactly what will happen when this casino opens,” she stated in a public release. Wilson, who has firsthand experience working at Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, expressed concern over the implications of smokers congregating indoors in a casino setting.
Casinos are unique in Virginia; they are currently the only venues where indoor smoking is permitted. Workers, in particular, face increased risks as they might spend extended hours in environments filled with harmful secondhand smoke. This situation intensifies calls from advocates who argue that the health of those employed in the casino industry deserves paramount consideration.
Changing Plans: From Non-Smoking to Smoke-Friendly
Initially, Norfolk’s casino was supposed to operate as a non-smoking facility. Yet, city attorney Bernard Pishko disclosed that this plan was never formalized in writing. With Boyd Gaming’s involvement, the casino’s developers have now indicated that allowing smoking is essential for profitability. They argue that a smoke-free policy would lead to financial losses—a claim met with skepticism by health advocates.
A report from 2022 challenges the notion that casinos experience revenue hits when enforcing smoking bans. In contrast to claims from casino-backed studies, the evidence suggests that establishments that have gone smoke-free have not suffered financially after implementing such changes.
The Real Health Costs of Secondhand Smoke
Bronson Frick, director of advocacy for Americans for Nonsmokers Rights, framed the revenue loss argument as a “red herring.” He pointed to significant health risks associated with secondhand smoke, which is known to be a leading preventable cause of various illnesses including heart disease, cancer, and respiratory disorders. The introduction of indoor smoking in a new casino could burden the community with long-term health costs, further complicating local public health efforts.
Moreover, as tobacco use declines nationally, public sentiment seems to favor stronger restrictions on indoor smoking in gambling establishments. Frick’s organization is collaborating with Virginia lawmakers to eliminate the existing exemption that allows smoking in casinos. Proponents argue that Boyd Gaming could follow the lead of other establishments in the industry and implement a smoke-free policy across all its locations.
Gambling Addiction and Smoking: A Dangerous Link
The National Council on Problem Gambling has endorsed smoking bans, linking them to improved outcomes for individuals grappling with gambling addiction. The rationale is that allowing smoking in casinos perpetuates gambling habits by making it easier for patrons to remain engaged at gaming machines and tables without taking necessary breaks. By forcing smokers to step outside for a cigarette, they are given an opportunity to disengage from the gambling environment, potentially reducing the likelihood of compulsive behaviors.
Frick emphasized that the health impacts of smoking bans extend beyond the confines of individual casinos, as large casinos can employ thousands of workers—more than most restaurants and bars combined—thrusting responsibility onto the community and local health systems.
Local Backlash: Responses and Experiences
The Rivers Casino in Portsmouth, which opened earlier in 2023, faced backlash over similar issues. Guests complained about inadequate ventilation, and while the casino designated half of its gaming floor as “smoke-free,” evidence suggests that the separation between smoking and non-smoking areas lacks physical barriers, potentially compromising air quality and comfort for all patrons.
Opponents of the decision to allow smoking at Norfolk’s casino are gearing up for a rally ahead of the groundbreaking event, aiming to pressure Boyd Gaming and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe regarding their smoking policy. Anti-smoking advocates believe that decisive action must be taken now to safeguard the health of workers and the broader community before the casino opens its doors.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the conversation around smoking in casinos continues, it remains crucial to consider the complex interplay of health risks, community well-being, and gambling behaviors. Strong advocacy from health organizations and community groups is essential to push for regulations that prioritize public health over potential profits. As the groundbreaking date looms, the decisions made now will not only shape the future of Norfolk’s casino but also set a precedent for similar establishments across Virginia and beyond.
