July 3, 2025
Lawmakers have approved legislation that will eliminate the Rhode Island casino smoking exemption which has allowed indoor smoking on gaming floors. The new measure amends the state’s Public Health and Workplace Safety Act to include casinos, requiring them to become smoke-free by July 1, 2027.
The bill, sponsored by Representative V. Susan Sosnowski, allows casinos to construct enclosed, separately ventilated smoking rooms where no gaming will take place. The move comes after years of debate, with casino workers and health advocates pushing for equal workplace protections.
The Rhode Island casino smoking legislation includes a phased timeline to give casino operators time to adapt. Bally’s Corporation, which owns and operates the Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort located in Lincoln, and the Tiverton Casino & Hotel, has expressed concerns that an immediate ban could negatively impact customer retention and revenue.
Supporters of the bill pointed to health risks associated with secondhand smoke and noted that temporary no-smoking policies during the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated that gaming revenue could still be sustained without indoor smoking. The Rhode Island casino smoking measure now awaits the signature of Governor Dan McKee, who is expected to approve it. Once signed, casinos will have three years to fully comply.
