TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) — A group of Kansans is pushing for new legislation to get rid of smoking in state-owned casinos.
Casinos are one of the last few places in Kansas where you can smoke inside. Local advocates and casino workers are petitioning to make changes to this policy as they argue that people who smoke know the risks of the activity, but non-smokers on the gaming floor are unfairly impacted.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that half of the casinos sampled had air pollution levels known to cause cardiovascular disease after only two hours of exposure. The CDC said there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, with even brief exposure resulting in health complications that can be deadly.
Joe Hafley works security at one of the state casinos. After working there for nearly seven years, Hafley and others are saying they’ve had enough.
“I’m tired of dealing with secondhand smoke while I work,” Hafley said. “I love my job but would rather not deal with that every day. When I’m at the door, I’ve had people blow smoke in my face. You can’t get away from it.”
KSNT reached out to each of the four state-owned casinos for a statement on the situation but has not received any responses. Hafley said he and others plan to push for this legislation in the upcoming 2025 Legislative session.
The potential smoking ban would only impact the four state-owned casinos operating in Kansas. This proposed legislation would not impact tribal casinos. State-owned casinos include:
- Boot Hill Casino & Resort,
- Kansas Star Casino,
- Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, and
- Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel.
