Gaming industry employees in the Garden State are reaching their limit with the smoking exception.

Last week, a large contingent of these workers assembled at a gaming industry gathering to voice their opposition to the state’s regulations concerning smoking in casinos. They expressed particular disappointment with the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) for withdrawing from a planned discussion about indoor smoking at the East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC). These employees are pushing for change, urging New Jersey legislators to finally approve a measure that would eliminate the exception and make casinos smoke-free environments.

“The casino executives working in their smoke-free offices are not burdened with this concern,” remarked Pete Naccarelli, a Borgata dealer and co-head of CEASE, an organization advocating for smoke-free casinos, during the demonstration. “Cease the delays and ratify the legislation.”

“They must stop leveraging our well-being for political gain,” added Lamont White, another Borgata dealer and CEASE co-head. “It is widely understood that once these measures reach the floor, they will pass with significant backing.”

Indeed, there is extensive support for this modification. Bills A2151 and S264, designed to eliminate the exception, enjoy bipartisan support within the state legislature. However, for reasons unknown, neither bill has been put to a vote.

Cynthia Hallett, the head of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, emphasized the pressing nature of the situation: “We cannot afford further delays because each day of inaction translates to more individuals being subjected to secondhand smoke. It signifies increased risks to lives and, regrettably, could result in more fatalities. We have the backing of the legislature.”

Its crucial that we unite and advocate for the enactment of this legislation. This concerns safeguarding lives, everyone! We must ensure widespread comprehension of the advantages of smoking cessation and hold those obstructing these legal measures responsible. To prevent further demonstrations like this, arrange those proceedings, and do it immediately!”