Atlantic City casino workers are urging New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to address the casino smoking issue during his 2025 State of the State Address. The workers, particularly those represented by CEASE (Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects), want Murphy to push legislators to end the smoking loophole that currently exists in New Jersey's casinos.

The current smoking policy stems from New Jersey's Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006, which exempts casinos with at least 150 slot machines or 10 table games from indoor smoking restrictions. While Murphy has expressed support for smoke-free casinos, he hasn't actively pressured the Democratic-controlled Legislature to advance relevant legislation.

Two bills addressing this issue - Assembly Bill 2143 and Senate Bill 3372 - are currently stalled in committee. Casino industry representatives argue that a smoking ban would negatively impact gaming revenue and employment, but CEASE disputes these claims, citing successful smoke-free operations like Pennsylvania's Parx Casino.

Lamont White, CEASE co-founder and Borgata table games dealer, emphasizes that Murphy's legacy depends on addressing this issue before leaving office. The organization formed after Murphy's temporary COVID-19 smoking ban expired in summer 2021, and they continue to advocate for permanent change.

The timing is crucial as Murphy delivers his seventh State of the State Address, with workers hoping he'll finally take a stronger stance on protecting casino employees from secondhand smoke exposure.

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