Introduction
Are you a smoker who enjoys gambling at Detroit’s casinos? Or perhaps a non-smoker who is concerned about health risks and secondhand smoke? Either way, you might be wondering about the current regulations regarding smoking inside Detroit casinos. In this article, we will explore the topic of smoking in Detroit casinos in 2022, examining current regulations, the history and controversy behind smoking bans, opinions from both smokers and non-smokers, health risks, comparative analysis of other states and countries’ policies, and an investigative report on how Detroit casinos accommodate and encourage smoking. Our article aims to inform and provide recommendations for anyone affected by the smoking ban in Detroit casinos.
Current Regulations Regarding Smoking in Detroit Casinos
The Michigan Clean Indoor Air Act was signed into law in 2009, which means smoking is prohibited in enclosed workplaces, including casinos. However, Detroit casinos were given a temporary exemption until May 2010. After that, smoking was banned inside Detroit’s three commercial casinos – MGM Grand Detroit, Greektown Casino, and MotorCity Casino.
Although there are no recent changes anticipated for 2022, it is worth noting that there have been efforts in the past to overturn the smoking ban. In 2017, a proposed bill to permit smoking in casinos was considered by Michigan’s Senate, but it did not move forward.
According to the Detroit News, MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino earned penalties due to smoking violations in recent years. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services imposed civil penalties of $10,000 on MGM Grand Detroit and $7,500 on MotorCity Casino in 2017.
Despite the penalties, and the fact that smoking is prohibited inside Detroit casinos, some reports suggest that smoking is still taking place, raising concerns about health risks for employees and patrons. One solution found by casinos is to create designated smoking areas outside the main casino areas.
Regarding these challenges, the Michigan Gaming Control Board declared in a statement that “We routinely work with the casinos to ensure compliance with both the casino laws and regulations, as well as the statewide Smoke-Free Air Law.”
History and Controversy
Detroit casinos have a controversial history when it comes to smoking bans. In 2010, Detroit’s three casinos secured a temporary exemption from the Michigan Clean Indoor Air Act to allow smoking on their casino floors. The decision was opposed by public health advocates, and in 2014, a federal judge ruled that the exemption was unconstitutional.
Some casino workers have expressed concerns that the smoking ban could cost them their jobs. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported that only two employees quit in the first year of the ban.
The controversy rests on the balance between health concerns and economic considerations. Proponents of smoking bans argue that they protect public health, whereas opponents claim that casinos rely on smoking customers. As a result, the question of whether to ban smoking in casinos or to allow designated smoking areas is a contentious issue that polarizes public opinion.
Surveys and Opinions
Speaking of public opinion, it is important to note that the strength of people’s views on smoking in Detroit casinos is not necessarily aligned with their smoking habit. According to a 2019 survey by The Detroit News, most people who frequent Detroit casinos were non-smokers (63%), whereas just under a third were smokers (30%).
The results of the survey showed that 62% of all respondents were in favor of the smoking ban. Interestingly, 60% of smokers also supported the ban, demonstrating broad support for a smoke-free casino environment. However, some smokers pointed out that if they were unable to smoke, they would likely gamble for shorter periods and spend less in the casinos.
Although there’s no denying that smoking is a personal choice, it’s important to consider the impact of secondhand smoke on others. The University of Michigan conducted a study that found casino workers had higher levels of cotinine (a nicotine metabolite) than the general population.
Conversations on Secondhand Smoke and Health Risks
The health risks of smoking are well-known, but recently, secondhand smoke has come under greater scrutiny, with research linking it to various health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. The American Cancer Society has called for greater protections for hospitality workers, citing the exposure of these workers to secondhand smoke in casinos.
We spoke to a former Detroit casino employee who expressed concerns over the lack of adequate ventilation and the high levels of secondhand smoke. “I worked in a casino for twelve years, and I found the constant inhalation of secondhand smoke uncomfortable and sometimes unbearable.”
The issue of secondhand smoke is not solely confined to casinos; it is also relevant to those who share living spaces with smokers. However, it’s worth noting that research suggests that the concentration of toxic compounds in casinos can be up to fifty times higher than in other workplaces.
Enough studies have been done to confirm that smoking is hazardous to human health. But beyond that, the discussion has moved towards the right to smoke inside establishments.
Comparative Analysis
Smoking in casinos is not just a problem in Detroit, but a contentious issue worldwide. Some states have implemented smoking bans in casinos, while others have opted for designated smoking areas. In Nevada, for example, where the gambling industry is a significant part of the state’s economy, a smoking ban has not been implemented, although some casinos now offer non-smoking areas to attract families.
Internationally, the approach to smoking in casinos is just as varied. In Macau, smoking is still permitted, but measures have been implemented to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, such as smoking lounges. In contrast, Australia has banned smoking in public indoor areas, including casinos, with no exceptions made.
Ultimately, one possible solution to achieve a smoke-free environment that would satisfy both smokers and non-smokers could be to offer well-ventilated smoking rooms, which could feature air filters to avoid health risks while allowing smokers to enjoy their habit. However, critics worry that even with well-ventilated smoking areas, the exposure to secondhand smoke in casinos can still achieve potentially dangerous levels.
Investigative Reporting
Many Detroit casinos are trying to accommodate smokers by creating designated smoking areas outside the main casino floor. For example, one Detroit casino, MotorCity Casino Hotel, has an outdoor smoking terrace, stylishly furnished, with seating and outdoor heating. Another casino, Greektown Casino, has a smoking patio with views of downtown Detroit.
MGM Grand Detroit also offers smoking lounges for Platinum and Noir members, which feature comfortable furniture and multiple TV screens. Additionally, MGM has installed ultraviolet air purifiers to improve indoor air quality.
It’s important to mention the efforts that casinos have made to reduce the impact of secondhand smoke, but casinos must continue to find innovative ways to accommodate smokers without endangering the health of their employees and patrons.
Conclusion
While casinos have long been associated with smoking, the push towards smoke-free environments is growing, and Detroit is no exception. The smoking ban inside Detroit casinos has been in place for over a decade, with only minor changes and some concerns over the enforcement of the rules. Various options are available for smokers and non-smokers alike to ensure that everyone can enjoy the casinos without putting their health at risk. Ultimately, it’s important to continue the conversation and consider alternatives to smoking in Detroit casinos.
Related Resources
- Michigan Clean Indoor Air Act
- American Cancer Society’s Policy Statement on Reducing the Health Burden of Tobacco in the U.