The developers aim to create a pleasant environment for all, both smokers and non-smokers.
The Norfolk casino project developers have announced that the upcoming property will have dedicated smoking areas, despite ongoing efforts in key markets across America to establish smoke-free casinos. Boyd Gaming has assured that state-of-the-art ventilation systems will be implemented to minimize health risks.
The Norfolk casino project is the creation of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, and it is the tribe’s latest endeavor. The group is determined to build the best possible property and has brought in the casino expert Boyd Gaming to help with the development.
The project became more than just a distant dream once Virginia legalized casinos in five cities, including Norfolk, in 2020. Shortly after that, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe reached an agreement with the government, which allowed it to construct a casino in the Hampton Roads city.
Instead of a tribal establishment, the Norfolk property will be a commercial casino. It will notably include a shuttle service to facilitate access.
The Norfolk casino plans to have designated smoking areas, despite Virginia’s exemptions allowing smoking throughout casinos. The casino aims to create an enjoyable environment for both smokers and non-smokers through advanced ventilation technology. However, the CDC argues that a complete smoking ban is the only way to fully protect casino workers and guests.
NJ Continues Fight for Smoke-Free Casinos
The CDC’s comment reflects an ongoing battle against indoor smoking across the US casino sector. Casino workers in Atlantic City have been very vocal about their disgruntlement with secondhand smoke and the dangers it poses to their health.
Casino companies have been reluctant to ban smoking as they fear that such a drastic solution would hurt their profitability. Proponents of this measure, however, have pointed out that nonsmokers’ casinos across America have remained popular despite the lack of indoor smoking.
New Jersey Republicans recently got involved in the matter, promoting bipartisan support for a legal measure that would ban smoking across New Jersey’s casino properties.
Rephrased:
The state of New Jersey is engaged in an ongoing effort to make casinos smoke-free. Casino workers in Atlantic City have strongly voiced their concerns about the health risks posed by secondhand smoke. While casino operators are hesitant to implement a smoking ban due to fears of financial impact, advocates argue that smoke-free casinos elsewhere have maintained popularity. New Jersey Republicans have joined the bipartisan push for legislation to prohibit smoking across the state’s casino properties.
