A bill seeking to prohibit smoking in casinos has been approved by a House subcommittee
Legislation aiming to ban smoking inside Iowa’s state-licensed casinos has taken a step forward, moving through a House subcommittee. If passed, the bill would remove the long-standing exemption that has allowed casino floors to permit smoking, unlike bars, restaurants, and other public spaces covered under Iowa’s smoke-free air law since 2008.
Supporters argue that the change is long overdue, highlighting the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. Health organizations point to a drop in smoking-related illnesses and hospitalizations since the initial smoking ban took effect, saying casino workers deserve the same protections as other employees in the state. Advocates also note that Iowa has one of the fastest-growing cancer rates in the country, making this a crucial public health issue.
Opponents, including representatives from Iowa’s casino industry, warn that a smoking ban could lead to a sharp decline in revenue, estimating losses of up to 30 percent. They argue that gamblers who smoke will take their business to tribal casinos in Iowa or to neighboring states where smoking is still permitted.
Studies from other states have shown revenue drops ranging from 9 to 22 percent after similar bans were implemented. However, critics of these studies claim they are outdated and do not reflect long-term recovery.
The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Shannon Lundgren, has been advocating for this change for years. She believes the original exemption for casinos was unfair to small business owners who had no choice but to comply with the statewide smoking ban. While the bill has passed its first hurdle, its future remains uncertain, as lawmakers continue to debate its potential economic impact versus the benefits to public health.
