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Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of Culinary Local 226, said Nevada’s casino workers appear more divided than the employee-led organization in New Jersey. While about 90 percent of its members don’t smoke, only 61 percent support a ban in casinos, according to member surveys taken in 2022.

“But 40 percent do not. It’s really not overwhelming amongst our members,” Pappageorge said.

Those mixed feelings mirror the state, he said. Some business leaders, lobbyists and casino workers still see smoking as complementary to gambling. Others point to the bottom line: smoking-friendly policies keep some of the highest-spending customers happy. 

While there could be a lawmaker who brings the issue to the Legislature, there’s an uphill battle to getting it signed into law.

“We’re going to represent our members and what our members want,” said Pappageorge, who noted that Culinary is watching New Jersey closely. “That number is moving, of our members supporting a ban, but even amongst members it’s not an overwhelming support yet.”