In a significant move toward public health reform, Iowa’s legislature is advancing House Study Bill 148, aiming to eliminate the exemption that allows smoking on casino gaming floors. This legislative effort seeks to amend the state’s Smokefree Air Act, extending its protections to encompass all areas within commercial casinos.
Background: The Smokefree Air Act
Enacted in 2008, Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act was a landmark law designed to protect the public and employees from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The Act prohibits smoking in most enclosed public spaces and places of employment, including restaurants, bars, and offices. However, it notably exempted certain areas, such as the gaming floors of licensed casinos, allowing smoking to continue in these venues.
House Study Bill 148: Closing the Casino Loophole
Introduced by Representative Shannon Lundgren, House Study Bill 148 seeks to amend the Smokefree Air Act by removing the exemption that permits smoking on casino gaming floors. The bill proposes striking subsection 10 of section 142D.4 from the Act, thereby subjecting casinos to the same smoking prohibitions as other public places and workplaces in Iowa.
The bill’s introduction has sparked discussions among lawmakers, public health advocates, and industry stakeholders. Proponents argue that the current exemption undermines public health efforts and exposes casino employees and patrons to secondhand smoke. Opponents, however, express concerns about potential economic impacts on the gaming industry.
Public Health Implications
Secondhand smoke is a well-documented health hazard, linked to various diseases, including heart disease, respiratory infections, and lung cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive smoke-free policies.
Traci Kennedy, a Midwest states strategist for Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, highlighted the ongoing efforts of casino workers advocating for a smoke-free workplace. She noted that approximately 86% of Iowans are nonsmokers, yet the current law caters to the remaining 14%. “Casino workers and patrons deserve to work, dine, and game without putting themselves at risk,” Kennedy stated.
Economic Considerations
The proposed legislation has raised concerns within the gaming industry about potential economic repercussions. Some industry representatives fear that a smoking ban could deter patrons who prefer smoking while gambling, potentially leading to decreased revenues.
However, experiences from neighboring states suggest that smoke-free policies may not adversely affect casino revenues. States like Illinois, Minnesota, and South Dakota have implemented smoking bans in casinos without significant negative economic impacts. In some cases, casinos have reported an increase in patronage from non-smokers who previously avoided smoke-filled environments.
Legislative Process and Outlook
House Study Bill 148 was introduced earlier this month and has undergone initial review. A subcommittee held a hearing on February 18, 2025, and recommended the bill for passage.
The bill now awaits further deliberation by the full House Committee on Commerce before potentially advancing to the House floor for a vote.
If enacted, the legislation would align Iowa’s public health policies with those of neighboring states that have already implemented comprehensive smoke-free laws in casinos. It’s important to note that the bill targets commercial casinos; tribal-owned and operated casinos would not be affected due to their sovereign status.
Conclusion
House Study Bill 148 represents a pivotal step in Iowa’s ongoing efforts to promote public health and provide a safe environment for all workers and patrons. By closing the existing loophole in the Smokefree Air Act, the state aims to ensure that casinos adhere to the same health standards as other public venues. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders from various sectors will continue to engage in discussions, weighing the public health benefits against economic considerations.
For more information on the Smokefree Air Act and its provisions, visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ official page.
(Source : gamblingnews.com)
