By Sophie Lincoln, News 4
May 24, 2024- The State of Nevada, and especially Reno and Las Vegas, is known across the country and beyond in large part for its casinos, and the cigarette smoke that tends to be present in them. But a recent survey revealed that the majority of Nevadans are opposed to smoking in casinos.
“Local residents are preferring more of these, what the casinos are advertising as these family-friendly areas that allow people to enjoy clean and healthy, safe environments,” University of Reno, Nevada School of Public Health professor Eric Crosbie said.
The survey, conducted by consultant Normington Petts, and backed by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANR), reveals that 58% of Nevadans would favor a law that prohibits smoking in all workplaces, including casinos.
That number was even higher in Las Vegas, where 60% of the residents polled were in favor of such a law. In Reno, 54% were in favor and 43% were opposed.
“It’s so bad. I go up to my room and my throat hurts. I feel like I have to stand in the steam shower for a little while before I go to bed,” Christina Warden, who was visiting from Washington, said.
“I don’t have a problem with people [smoking]. I’m here to have fun and relax,” one Reno local said.
Earlier this month, a study led by Crosbie revealed that unhealthy levels of second-hand smoke are present in local casinos, including the family-friendly areas like arcades and restaurants.
“There’s a small amount of smokers that are in these areas that are polluting the air for the majority of people who frequent these establishments,” Crosbie said.
Some local groups now are pushing for an amendment to the 2006 Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act that would prohibit smoking in all workplaces, though no legal action has been taken so far.
