Indoor smoking has long been a contentious topic, particularly in casinos where smoking and gambling often go hand in hand.
In Missouri, two newly introduced bills—House Bill 1618 and House Bill 926—are taking center stage in the effort to strengthen indoor smoking restrictions. This legislative push could have significant implications for casinos in Missouri.
This battle has gone on for months, but it may be ramping up now.
What Do the Proposed Bills Entail?
For comparison, about 20 states already require all state-regulated gambling venues to be 100% smoke-free indoors (e.g., Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, New York), and over 1,000 U.S. gaming properties (including many tribal casinos) are voluntarily smoke-free.
Even the newest casino opening in Pennsylvania in April will be smoke-free. We've also seen cruise ships make the switch.
Here's what the new bills would change for Missouri casinos, regarding smoking:
House Bill 1618: The Missouri Indoor Clean Air Act
Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Sassman, House Bill 1618, or the Missouri Clean Indoor Air Act, prohibits smoking in public places, except in designated areas, and aims to impose a broad ban on indoor smoking.
The main change? It seeks to end the exemption currently allowing smoking in casinos. This move aligns Missouri more closely with many other states where such exemptions have been phased out, providing cleaner air in public spaces and workplaces alike.
House Bill 926: Further Provisions for Indoor Air Quality
House Bill 926, introduced by Rep. Adrian Plank, targets a comprehensive update to the state's smoking laws. It specifically lists casinos—referred to as gaming facilities—as areas where smoking would be prohibited.
This bill seeks to replace outdated statutes with enforceable new sections aimed at improving public health by reducing exposure to tobacco smoke in enclosed indoor areas.
Why Focus on Casinos?
Casinos in Missouri currently enjoy exemptions from the statewide smoking bans that apply to most public indoor areas.
However, the health impacts of smoking in these venues are significant. Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure poses health risks not only to patrons but also to the employees who work long shifts in these environments.
Secondhand smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 known carcinogens.
The U.S. Surgeon General has declared there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Significant health risks can occur, including:
- Increased likelihood of lung cancer
- Coronary heart disease
- A range of respiratory issues, such as asthma and bronchitis
Casino employees are especially vulnerable, facing much higher nicotine levels and other carcinogens in their systems compared to workers in other smoking-permitted contexts. The American Cancer Society is also backing the push for smoke-free environments by offering resources and information about the risks of secondhand smoke.
More Than Just Missouri Casinos Considering The Change
Here's a breakdown of key states with ongoing or recent efforts (as of early 2026, based on legislative activity in 2025-2026 sessions):
- New Jersey — Atlantic City casinos remain one of the most prominent holdouts allowing indoor smoking. Bipartisan bills to close the casino exemption in the state's Clean Indoor Air Act have strong support (e.g., over 70% of legislators co-sponsoring in prior sessions), with repeated pushes in recent years. Advocates are urging action, including calls for the governor to prioritize it. No final passage yet, but momentum continues.
- Kansas — Bills like House Bill 2252 and Senate Bill 176 were filed for the 2026 session to ban smoking in state-regulated casinos (e.g., Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, Boot Hill, Kansas Star, Kansas Crossing). These have committee sponsorship, indicating growing interest. Tribal casinos would likely remain exempt due to sovereignty.
- Pennsylvania — House Bill 880 (Protecting Workers From Secondhand Smoke Act), sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel, advanced through the House Health Committee in late 2025 with bipartisan support (22-4 vote). It would extend the state's 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act to eliminate most exemptions, including for casinos, and cover e-cigarettes. Some casinos (like Parx) have gone voluntary smoke-free post-COVID, but a statewide mandate is pending.
- Rhode Island — Legislation to close the casino smoking loophole advanced significantly in 2025. A bill (e.g., Senate Bill 188, sponsored by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski) passed committee unanimously and headed toward full Senate consideration, with a potential effective date of early 2027 (including a carveout for certain enclosed cigar bars). Rhode Island's two casinos (Bally's Lincoln and Tiverton) would be affected.
Iowa lawmakers are also discussing it. Debates and studies on amending the Smokefree Air Act to include casinos (which currently allow smoking on gaming floors). No major bill passage, but ongoing discussion.
States like Nevada (strong resistance, especially Las Vegas Strip), Michigan, New Mexico, and others still allow smoking in casinos or gaming areas, but face periodic pressure. No widespread new bans were enacted in 2025, but 2026 sessions could see progress in the above states.
These efforts often face opposition from casino operators over potential revenue impacts, though recent studies (including some casino-funded ones) suggest smoke-free policies may not harm—and could even boost—performance by attracting health-conscious patrons.
Potential Economic Impacts and Opposition
While the proposed legislation aims to improve public health, it is not without controversy.
The gaming industry has raised concerns that such measures could impact revenue, as smokers might prefer venues where they can smoke.
Missouri's casinos currently thrive partly because of this unique exemption, attracting patrons who are smokers. Balancing economic health with public health will likely be a major point of contention as these bills progress.
What Comes Next?
As of early 2026, these bills have been pre-filed and introduced in Missouri's legislative session.
Although they are in the early stages, the discussion around them reflects a growing sentiment that protecting public health should take precedence. Advocacy groups, such as CEASE Missouri, highlight the need for smoke-free environments in casinos due to the severe health risks associated with SHS.
Implementing these indoor smoking bans in Missouri's casinos would be a significant step towards better public health outcomes.
Many health organizations and studies support these bans as the only effective method to eliminate the risks posed by secondhand smoke. As Missouri deliberates on these proposed laws, it sets the stage for a public debate that weighs the benefits of cleaner air against the potential economic realities for the state's gaming industry.
In short, the push for stronger smoking restrictions within Missouri casinos highlights an ongoing struggle to balance economic interests with public health needs.
Whether these bills will pass remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly ignited essential discussions about the future of smoke-free public spaces in the state.
Play Sweepstakes Casino Games At Home
For those who want to enjoy the excitement of casino games without the smoke, online sweepstakes casinos offer an enticing alternative.
These platforms provide a wide variety of games, allowing players to experience the thrill of a casino from the comfort of their own homes. With just an internet connection, you can access your favorite games anytime and anywhere, customizing the experience to suit your preferences.
However, it's essential to gamble responsibly. As with traditional casinos, it's important to set limits and stay in control of your gaming activities. Whether you're on a luxurious cruise or immersed in the world of online gaming, the goal is to enjoy the experience without overindulgence.
