Vegas Casinos Bring Back Table Game Smoking

The Venetian

The Venetian and Palazzo casinos, located on the Las Vegas Strip, have recently announced that smoking will be allowed at their table games. This move comes amidst ongoing debates about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the importance of public health.

Customers of these casinos will now be able to smoke cigarettes, cigars, and vapes while playing on table games. However, in an effort to address the concerns of non-smokers, the resorts have promised to provide non-smoking tables upon request.

This change in policy is a departure from the previous ban on smoking at these resorts, where smoking was only permitted on the casino floors and strictly prohibited elsewhere. Resort management claims that the decision was influenced by customer feedback and a thorough review of the smoking policy.

While marijuana use is still not allowed inside any Las Vegas casino, the reintroduction of smoking raises concerns among health experts. Even with designated non-smoking areas, these experts warn that there are still public health risks, as prolonged exposure to smoking environments increases the likelihood of developing smoke-related complications.

Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have shown higher levels of dangerous Particulate Matter (PM) in designated smoke-free areas of casinos, highlighting the potential health risks. The CDC has concluded that a complete ban on indoor tobacco use is the only way to ensure clean air for everyone in casinos.

Despite the implementation of advanced air filtration systems at The Venetian and Palazzo, which may help reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, they cannot completely eliminate it. This raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures in creating a safe environment for both employees and customers.

These resorts, owned by Vici Properties and operated by Apollo Global Management, have been making headlines in the past year. The sale of The Venetian and Palazzo by Las Vegas Sands to Vici and Apollo for an astounding $6.25 billion marked a significant change in ownership in the casino industry.

Amidst the controversy surrounding the smoking policy, these resorts are also preparing for the highly anticipated Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for November 19. This race circuit, featuring an exciting 1.18-mile straightway on the Las Vegas Strip, is expected to attract racing fans from around the world. Formula 1, already popular overseas, particularly in the UK, Middle East, and Europe, aims to capture the attention of the American audience with this thrilling event.

While smoking will be allowed on the casino floors, it’s important to note that it will still be prohibited in the resorts’ rooms and outside on the pool decks. This restriction aims to find a balance between accommodating smokers and maintaining a smoke-free environment for other guests.

As the debate over the risks of secondhand smoke continues, it’s crucial for both the casino industry and public health experts to find common ground. Balancing personal freedoms with public health protection requires ongoing discussion and research.

The reintroduction of smoking at The Venetian and Palazzo casinos has certainly caused controversy within the Las Vegas community. Whether this decision will have long-term effects on the industry remains to be seen. However, it serves as a reminder that the health and well-being of employees and guests should always be a top priority in any public space.