West Virginia Casino Hopes to Circumvent Indoor Smoking Ban

This enclosed section would include around 150 slot machines and feature an advanced, independent HVAC system designed to filter smoke from the air, according to the details presented during a recent board meeting. The Board of Health has not yet taken any formal action on the request.

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In Kanawha County, smoking has been banned in most indoor public spaces and places of employment since 2008. In 2020, the law was further strengthened to include a ban on indoor vaping. These regulations aim to reduce the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.

By contrast, other counties in West Virginia, such as Ohio County, allow smoking in certain venues. For instance, the Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino & Racetrack, which is also owned by Delaware North, Mardi Gras Casino's parent company, operates with such an exemption.

West Virginia continues to face significant public health challenges related to smoking, with one of the highest smoking rates in the country. According to the American Lung Association, about 21% of the state's adult population smokes.

The state's high smoking prevalence contributes to West Virginia's alarming rates of cancer deaths and other smoking-related illnesses, which include heart disease and respiratory conditions. As a result, clean indoor air laws like Kanawha County's are viewed as vital for public health, as they limit exposure to harmful tobacco smoke.

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A Long-Shot Gamble

Given the health concerns, the state's clean indoor air regulations have been seen as a critical tool for reducing exposure to harmful tobacco smoke. However, Mardi Gras Casino argues that allowing smoking in one designated area could help it remain competitive with neighboring casinos that offer smoking accommodations.

According to the casino, Sandy's Racing & Gaming, across the border in Ashland, Kentucky, has a designated smoking area with 190 slot machines. Casino officials argue that offering a similar service at Mardi Gras would help the casino retain and, therefore, increase the county's gaming tax revenue.

Kanawha County Commission President Lance Wheeler has stated that he has not yet reviewed the casino's request. He emphasized the need to ensure that any changes would not negatively impact non-smokers who use the facility. He added that his decision would be influenced by feedback from the health board, which he said would need to base its recommendations on scientific data and careful consideration. He added that he would not make any decisions until the health department formally weighed in on the matter.

Ben Salango, another commissioner, stressed that the casino would need to demonstrate how the area would be separated from the rest of the facility without affecting non-smoking patrons. He noted that allowing an exemption for one business might lead to requests from other establishments, such as bars, seeking similar accommodations.

The Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health has not yet reached a decision on the casino's request. Lalena Price, the health department's director of marketing and communications, confirmed that the board had not formally voted on the matter, and the casino had not made a formal request during the meeting. Price indicated that the board has asked the health department's leadership to gather more information on the health implications of indoor smoking, particularly in casinos, before the next meeting scheduled for November 21.

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