I. Introduction
If you’re planning a trip to Atlantic City and you’re a smoker, you may be wondering what the smoking policies are like in the city’s casinos. The answer is not cut and dried, with some casinos allowing smoking in designated areas and others implementing stricter policies. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on Atlantic City casino smoking regulations and help you navigate the rules during your visit.
II. The Lowdown on Atlantic City Casino Smoking Regulations
Smoking has been a longstanding tradition in Atlantic City’s casinos. Up until only a few years ago, smoking was allowed in the gambling areas of most casinos. However, that has changed in recent years as efforts to protect employees and guests from secondhand smoke have gained momentum.
Currently, smoking is allowed in designated areas of most Atlantic City casinos but is prohibited in certain areas.
Over the years, the smoking regulations have evolved. The New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act of 2006 banned smoking in enclosed public spaces, including casinos, but granted casinos an exemption. However, in 2018, the exemption was challenged, and a new law was passed requiring casinos to provide no-smoking areas that were at least 75% of the casino floor. This law went into effect on April 15, 2019.
III. Clearing the Smoke: A Look at Atlantic City’s Casino Smoking Policy
If you’re a smoker, it’s important to know the smoking policy for each individual casino before you go. Not all casinos have the same policy and you don’t want to inadvertently break the rules and incur penalties.
Here’s a breakdown of the smoking policy for each Atlantic City casino:
- Bally’s – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor.
- Borgata – Smoking is allowed in designated areas on approximately 25% of the casino floor. There are also non-smoking areas available.
- Caesars – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor.
- Golden Nugget – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor. There are also non-smoking areas available.
- Hard Rock – Smoking is allowed in designated areas on approximately 25% of the casino floor. There are also non-smoking areas available.
- Harrah’s – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor.
- Ocean Casino Resort – Smoking is allowed in designated areas on approximately 25% of the casino floor. There are also non-smoking areas available.
- Resorts – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor. There are also non-smoking areas available.
- Tropicana – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor.
- The Water Club Hotel at Borgata – Smoke-free.
- Wild Wild West Casino – Smoking is allowed on approximately 25% of the casino floor.
It’s worth noting that the non-smoking areas are typically located in high traffic areas such as the main entrances, walkways, and near restaurants.
IV. Is Lighting Up Allowed? A Guide to Smoking in Atlantic City Casinos
If you’re a smoker, it’s essential to understand the specific rules for smoking in different areas of the casinos so that you can avoid any penalties or fines for breaking the rules. Here’s what you need to know:
- You must be at least 21 years old to smoke in the designated areas of the casino.
- In some cases, smoking is only allowed in specific areas of the casino, such as in the slot machines area or at gaming tables.
- Smoking is typically prohibited in other areas, such as restaurants and entertainment venues.
- If you’re unsure if smoking is allowed in a particular area, look for signs or ask a casino employee.
- It’s important to properly dispose of cigarette butts and avoid ashing on the floor or carpet.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you’re smoking according to the rules and avoiding any penalties.
V. Smoke-Free Gaming: Navigating Atlantic City’s Non-Smoking Casino Areas
If you prefer to avoid smoking areas altogether, you’ll be pleased to know that many Atlantic City casinos offer non-smoking gaming areas. Here’s what you need to know:
- Borgata, Golden Nugget, and Ocean Resort Casino all have designated non-smoking areas. These are typically located near the main entrances and walkways.
- Caesars, Hard Rock, Resorts, and Tropicana also have non-smoking areas that are separated from the smoking areas by walls or partitions.
- The Water Club Hotel at Borgata and Wild Wild West Casino do not have non-smoking areas.
If you’re looking for a smoke-free gaming experience, be sure to do your research ahead of time to find out which casinos offer non-smoking areas and where they are located.
VI. Puff or Pass: Understanding Atlantic City Casinos’ Smoking Rules
If you’re caught violating the smoking policy in Atlantic City casinos, you can expect to face penalties. Here’s what you need to know:
- The penalties for violating the smoking policy vary depending on the casino. In most cases, you’ll be asked to leave and may be subject to fines or other consequences.
- Casinos typically enforce the smoking policy through security personnel, who may patrol the casino floor and ask smokers to put out their cigarettes or leave the premises.
To avoid any unpleasantness, it’s best to respect the smoking policy and smoke only in designated areas.
VII. Why You Can’t Smoke in Some Atlantic City Casinos
While most Atlantic City casinos allow smoking in designated areas, some have implemented stricter policies and even banned smoking altogether. Here’s why:
- The decision to restrict or ban smoking is largely influenced by the casino’s business model and target audience. Some casinos cater to non-smoking clientele and have implemented smoking bans to attract more customers.
- Another consideration is the health and safety of employees and guests. Non-smoking policies protect employees and other guests from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
- Finally, strict smoking policies can be driven by state or local legislation. The New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act of 2006, for example, has had a significant impact on smoking policies in Atlantic City casinos.
VIII. Atlantic City Casinos: What You Need to Know About Smoking Policies Before You Go
Before you visit Atlantic City, it’s important to be aware of the smoking policies in the city’s casinos. Here’s a summary of what you need to know:
- Smoking is allowed in designated areas of most Atlantic City casinos.
- Non-smoking areas are available in some casinos.
- If you’re caught violating the smoking policy, you may be asked to leave and may face fines or other consequences.
- Respect the smoking policy and smoke only in designated areas to avoid penalties.
By understanding the smoking policies before you go, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your trip to Atlantic City’s casinos.
IX. Conclusion
Smoking policies in Atlantic City casinos can be confusing, with each casino having its own rules and areas where smoking is allowed or prohibited. By understanding the smoking policies before you go, you can avoid penalties and enjoy a safe and pleasant gaming experience. Remember to respect the smoking policy and smoke only in designated areas. With these tips in mind, you’re ready for a fun and worry-free trip to Atlantic City’s casinos.