Kansas Casino Employees Advocate For Smoking Ban

New legislation prohibiting smoking in state-owned casinos is being pushed this week by a group of Kansans.

Casinos in Kansas are among the few remaining establishments where smoking is still allowed indoors. However, there is a growing movement among local advocates and casino workers to challenge this policy. Their argument is that while smokers are aware of the risks associated with their habit, non-smokers on the gaming floor are unfairly affected by the presence of secondhand smoke.

According to a study carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was discovered that after just two hours of exposure, half of the casinos examined had air pollution levels that are known to cause cardiovascular disease. The CDC also emphasized that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, as even brief exposure can lead to severe health complications, some of which can be fatal.

Joe Hafley, a security personnel at a state casino in Kansas, has reached a breaking point after dedicating almost seven years of his life to the job. Alongside his colleagues, Hafley strongly expresses their collective dissatisfaction.

“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.”

We contacted all four state-owned casinos to get their statement on the situation, but we haven’t received any responses yet. Hafley and his team are determined to advocate for this legislation during the upcoming 2025 Legislative session.

The proposed smoking ban would apply only to Kansas’ four state-owned casinos. This proposed legislation would not affect tribal casinos. State-owned casinos include the following: