Kansas Casino Workers Push for Smoking Ban at Four State-Owned Facilities

A group of casino workers in Kansas are pushing for new legislation to ban smoking in state-owned casinos this week. Casinos are one of the last few establishments in the Sunflower State where smoking inside is still permitted.

Local advocates, casino workers are petitioning to ban smoking inside Kansas’ four state-owned casinos

According to KSNT 27 News, local advocates and casino workers are petitioning to make changes on this policy. They argue that smokers know the risks of the activity but non-smokers on the gaming floor are unfairly impacted.

A study conducted by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found half of the casinos sampled had air pollution levels known to cause cardiovascular disease after only two hours of exposure.

Over 16 million Americans are currently living with a smoking-related disease. Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure cause over 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. This is nearly one in five deaths.

The CDC said there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, with even brief exposure resulting in deadly health complications. Secondhand smoke can cause coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

Anti-smoking legislation could be on the agenda for the upcoming 2025 session

Joe Hafley works security at one of Kansas’ state casinos. After working there for nearly seven years, Hafley and others are now more than willing to take a stand against the activity.

“I’m tired of dealing with secondhand smoke while I work,” Hafley told KSNT 27 News. “I love my job but would rather not deal with that every day. When I’m at the door, I’ve had people blow smoke in my face. You can’t get away from it.”

Hafley told KSNT 27 News that he and others plan to push for this legislation in the upcoming 2025 Legislative session. The potential smoking ban would only impact the four state-owned casinos operating in Kansas.

Tribal casinos would not be impacted by this proposed legislation. State-owned casinos include Boot Hill Casino & Resort, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel, and Kansas Star Casino.

This may impact sports betting and iGaming in said casinos in the future.