The reintroduction of indoor smoking sections in certain retail casinos in Michigan has sparked significant controversy.
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, indoor smoking was strictly prohibited in all casinos. However, in recent months, various Michigan casinos have begun reintroducing this practice.
While smokers may enjoy the convenience of not having to go outside, some individuals are concerned about the potential health hazards linked to second-hand smoke.
I made the decision this week to personally experience these indoor smoking areas and determine if they would pose any obstacles for me as a non-smoker.
My experience with indoor smoking sections at Detroit Casinos
MGM Grand Detroit indoor smoking area
I made my way to the MGM Grand Detroit as my first stop. Being a non-smoker, it didn’t take much time for the unpleasant odor of stale smoke to reach my nose.
As soon as one steps into the gaming floor from the parking garage, it becomes immediately apparent.
Locating the two smoking areas was effortless. Just beyond my entrance was Smoking Slots West, and a short distance ahead was Smoking Slots East.
Glass walls enclosed every area, while sliding glass doors served as the entry points to each section.
Both sections offered players a wide selection of slot games, including popular titles, various styles, and different denominations.
Outside of the sections, the smell of smoke was unmistakable; there was no debate about it.
I decided to try my luck at a slot machine close to the sections, but I soon realized that it was giving me a headache. However, as I moved away from the sections, the smoke smell became less noticeable and I started to feel more at ease.
Upon exiting the casino, the scent forcefully reminded me of its presence as it struck me once more on my journey back to the parking garage.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown indoor smoking area
Greektown offered a unique experience as the majority of its second floor permitted smoking. Consequently, upon entering through the parking garage, there were limited options to avoid the smoke.
It had been a while since I had seen ashtrays conveniently placed next to slot machines in a public space. To my surprise, there was even a cigarette vending machine nearby, offering five different brands to choose from.
The presence of smoke was overpowering, permeating the air with a heavy thickness. Although a non-smoking section existed on the second floor, it was merely an open-air extension of the smoking area, giving off a sense of insincerity in its purpose.
Although the first floor is designated as smoke-free, the sections remain interconnected through an escalator opening, allowing smoke to permeate throughout. Consequently, it proves challenging to avoid the smoke entirely, as it can still find its way down to the lower levels.
If you’re interested in placing bets on sports, you’ll find the Barstool Sportsbook on the second floor, where both the first and second floors offer a diverse range of slot machines and table games. However, it’s worth noting that the smoking section cannot be avoided.
Gun Lake Casino latest to bring back indoor smoking
Gun Lake Casino recently disclosed its plans to introduce a compact indoor gaming area that allows smoking on its premises.
“After receiving valuable input from our guests and Team Members, we have decided to allow indoor smoking in a specifically designated gaming area. This area is the previous non-smoking slot room located adjacent to the high-limit room. Please be aware that all other indoor spaces will continue to be smoke-free.”
Other retail casinos in Michigan, including MGM Grand Detroit and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, also offer indoor smoking areas on their gaming floors.
The Little River Casino features a smoking room located indoors close to the Event Center, yet separate from the primary gaming area.
What players are saying about indoor smoking sections at Michigan casinos
The recent announcement by Gun Lake sparked a heated debate among retail players regarding the reintroduction of indoor smoking.
There is a plethora of strong opinions expressed on Michigan’s vocal Facebook group titled “What Happens at the Casino Stays at the Casino.”
Some people supported the decision.
It is important for every casino to provide designated areas. Casinos that force their patrons to go outside in the cold weather are not being considerate. It is unappealing to see people gathered outside. I appreciate that Gun Lake Casino has allocated a designated area for smokers.
As a smoker, I am grateful for Gun Lake providing a designated area for us to indulge in our habit. It seems that smokers always face criticism, yet alcohol, which can be equally detrimental, is widely accepted in all settings. Therefore, I want to express my gratitude to Gun Lake for accommodating us.
Those who are opposed to it have clearly stated grievances.
I hope smoking will never return to any casinos! If you want to smoke, please go outside. The indoor environment is much cleaner and easier to breathe in!
“I understand how difficult it must be for non-smokers to tolerate the smoke, especially in such a small and confined space. As someone who smokes but doesn’t enjoy being surrounded by it, I can empathize. It’s quite unpleasant!”
I visited a casino that allowed smoking for quite some time, and I found it rather unpleasant after being accustomed to smoke-free environments. As a result, I have not returned to that particular casino due to this reason.
ASHRAE, CDC say casinos can’t prevent second-hand smoke damage
In May 2010, Michigan enacted the Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law, which prohibited smoking in the majority of public establishments.
However, casinos were exempt from this requirement. Nevertheless, due to the pandemic, they were compelled to operate as smoke-free areas when they reopened.
During the pandemic, numerous casinos across the nation also enhanced their filtration systems.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), no matter how advanced the filtration upgrades are, sealed-off indoor smoking sections cannot effectively reduce second-hand smoke.
At present, there are no ventilation or air cleaning systems that can effectively control and sufficiently mitigate the health hazards posed by secondhand smoke to a satisfactory extent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the complete eradication of secondhand smoke exposure can only be achieved by implementing a ban on smoking in all indoor spaces.
Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights have expressed their concern for both casino patrons and employees as indoor smoking makes a comeback.
Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of the ANR, stated that the engineers who possess extensive knowledge about filtration and ventilation systems have confirmed that these systems do not effectively shield casino employees and guests from the well-documented risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure. Hallett emphasized the need to carefully examine industry assertions that suggest otherwise and highlighted the importance of not considering gaming companies as authorities in public health or engineering.
According to several MGM Grand Detroit employees, wearing masks not only remains mandatory since the pandemic, but it has also been beneficial in mitigating the effects of second-hand smoke.
In Greektown, a significant portion of the customers were seen donning masks, with a few attributing it to smoking rather than COVID-related apprehensions.
