The latest debate surrounding a complete ban on smoking in Atlantic City casinos has reignited conversations about the future of the gaming industry.
For Philadelphia residents, many of whom frequent Atlantic City’s iconic boardwalk casinos, this potential policy change could reshape where and how they gamble. But what does this mean for the average gambler, and why should we care?
It’s not just about smoking; it’s about comfort and tradition. The ripple effects this law could have on businesses, players, and nearby markets.
A Personal Viewpoint from Philadelphia
Before we dig deeper, I need to come clean – I’m both a journalist and a lifelong fan of the AC casino scene.
Atlantic City’s dimly lit floors, clattering slot machines, and pungent mix of cigarette smoke and expensive cologne have been a backdrop for many memorable nights out.
That’s not to say I’m against a smoke-free environment.
I live in Philadelphia, where all casinos, including major ones like Rivers Casino, are already smoke-free. But as someone who has spent countless hours on opposite sides of this line, I can’t help but wonder how such a ban would impact the Atlantic City experience.
The Current Smoking Policy in Atlantic City Casinos
Atlantic City still allows up to 25% of the gaming floor to be designated as a smoking area.
Walking into one of Atlantic City’s casinos, you can instantly tell where the smoking zones are, thanks to that trademark haze.
This flexibility has been somewhat of a lure for gamblers who don’t want to step outside every time they need a cigarette. It’s a compromise that lets casinos accommodate smokers while attempting to minimize the smoke’s impact on non-smokers.
But this split system has its drawbacks, not least of which are complaints from casino workers and patrons who feel stuck in a smoky environment despite designated non-smoking zones.
How Philadelphia Gamblers Feel About Smoking in Casinos
Opinions among Philly gamblers, from what I’ve gathered over countless conversations at my favorite blackjack tables and sports bar lounges, seem pretty divided.
Non-smokers: Many appreciate the smoke-free regulations at the city’s venues and argue that it creates a more enjoyable, healthier gambling environment.
Smokers: Others, particularly older patrons who frequent Atlantic City, see it differently. They value the ability to light up while playing and associate it with the leisure of gambling itself.
Smoking and gambling, for some, are intrinsically linked.
“If they ban smoking down there, I’ll just stay in Philly,” a gentleman at Rivers Casino once told me. He’d spent decades going to Atlantic City but felt Philadelphia’s low-stakes, smoke-free atmosphere was sufficient these days.
Comparing Smoking Policies in Atlantic City and Philadelphia Casinos
The contrast between Atlantic City gambling venues and Philadelphia’s is stark. Here’s how they differ today in terms of policies and experience quality:
- Atlantic City: Allows controlled indoor smoking. Offers high-energy glamour and a mix of old-school allure, combined with a bustling tourist experience.
- Philadelphia: Fully smoke-free since 2004. Focused on convenience and accessibility, often catering to a local crowd.
For players in Philly who feel nostalgic for an old-school casino vibe, Atlantic City has always been an easy escape. This differentiator could start to fade if a smoking ban takes effect, leveling the playing field between the two regions.
Potential Revenue Impact of the Atlantic City Casino Smoking Ban
One of the loudest arguments from opponents of the smoking ban in Atlantic City is the fear of significant revenue loss.
Casino operators claim that banning smoking would alienate a portion of regular, high-spending patrons who value this liberty.
This could result in lower gambling revenue, which is crucial for Atlantic City, considering the city has fought tooth and nail to recover from years of financial decline.
However, this issue isn’t as straightforward as it seems. States like Pennsylvania and Delaware, where smoke-free casinos already exist, still report thriving gaming industries.
The key question Atlantic City faces is whether the short-term dip in revenue (if any) would be offset by attracting new non-smoking customers or encouraging longer stays by existing ones.
Will Philadelphia Casinos See a Surge in Gamblers?
If smoking is prohibited in Atlantic City, the ripple effects will likely be felt here in Philadelphia.
My best guess? Smokers who currently drive the hour or so to Atlantic City might choose to stay closer to home instead.
This surge could bring new opportunities for local casinos that already cater to Philly’s population.
But whether or not this influx would be significant remains a question mark. I’ve spoken to gamblers who solemnly insist Atlantic City is their preferred destination, with or without smoking. “It’s not just about the smokes; it’s the vibe,” said one regular I met at Live! Casino Philadelphia.
My Observations from Trips to Atlantic City and Philadelphia Casinos
Having spent years walking the floors of both Atlantic City and Philly-area casinos, I can confidently say that each city offers an experience distinct enough to be worth the trip. Atlantic City has always had an energy that’s hard to replicate.
I’ve spent evenings at Borgata and Hard Rock Casino, marveling at the liveliness around the roulette wheel, while cigarette smoke seemed as much a part of the atmosphere as the sound of spinning reels or live bands playing Sinatra covers.
Philadelphia casinos, by contrast, feel more modern and streamlined. There’s less room for nostalgia, but the clean air and polished layout make for a refreshing, efficient gambling experience.
A smoking ban in Atlantic City wouldn’t erase its unique traits, but it might realign the reasons why people choose to gamble there versus sticking to venues closer to home.
The Broader Shift Towards Smoke-Free Gaming
On a national scale, the gambling industry is inching toward a smoke-free future. Many states, including New York and Maryland, have already implemented non-smoking policies across the board, reshaping player expectations.
This cultural shift is fueled not just by health concerns but also by changing demographics. Younger players entering casinos value wellness and environmental consciousness. Therefore, smoke-free venues are increasingly attractive.
Still, Atlantic City faces a unique challenge due to its identity as a nostalgic gambling hub. This isn’t Las Vegas’ glittering strip of high-tech resorts; it’s the boardwalk, steeped in decades of tradition that’s hard to replicate.
For me, I’ll keep visiting Atlantic City regardless of the outcome. Smoky or not, there’s something about its charm that keeps pulling me back. That said, I can’t deny how much I enjoy stepping out of a Philly casino without the smell of smoke clinging to my jacket.
