New Jersey governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has said she would support legislation to remove the casino exemption from the state’s clean indoor air law. The measure could affect smoking at all nine Atlantic City casinos; the Casino Association of New Jersey plans to defend the industry’s current privileges.
A change to the exemption would affect operating conditions at Atlantic City’s nine casinos.
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Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) asked New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in December to press lawmakers to vote on a bill banning indoor smoking at Atlantic City casinos before he leaves office. A letter signed by 160 casino workers said his support should be matched by action; Murphy’s office said he would sign a ban if lawmakers passed it. Casino operators oppose the proposal, citing possible revenue and job losses, while CEASE disputes those claims.
Rhode Island lawmakers advanced a measure to largely prohibit indoor smoking at the state’s two casinos, but Governor Dan McKee’s signature is still required. The bill would permit one smoking lounge at each casino and, if signed, take effect on 1 January 2027; a separate proposal to increase Bally’s marketing subsidies failed to gain sufficient support.
New Jersey gubernatorial candidates Mikie Sherrill and Jack Ciattarelli have set out opposing positions on a proposed indoor smoking ban at Atlantic City casinos. Sherrill supports a ban, while Ciattarelli says casinos and workers’ unions should decide; the source says a bill could reach outgoing Governor Phil Murphy before the legislature’s summer break, and Murphy has said he would sign it if passed.
New Jersey prohibited paid-entry sweepstakes casinos when Governor Phil Murphy signed A5447 on 15 August 2025, citing RG.org. The law sets civil penalties of up to $100,000 for an initial violation and $250,000 for subsequent violations, counted daily. It also expands agencies' enforcement powers.
It was reported that New Jersey collected $925.7m in gaming taxes during fiscal 2026, up 42.3% from the preceding year. Higher digital gambling tax rates and online casino growth contributed to the increase.