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Poker pro urges casino smoking ban
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008 | 2 a.m.
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- Smoking ban for Atlantic City casinos delayed; Nevada casino goes smoke-free (10-8-2008)
- Letter to the Editor: Respect smokers and nonsmokers (7-6-2008)
- Having a smoke and playing, too (6-7-2008)
A career poker player who pushed for smoking bans in poker rooms and tournaments is now leading a fight to prohibit smoking on casino floors across Nevada.
Tom McEvoy is the public face for a new grass-roots group, Gamblers Against Secondhand Smoke, which is pushing for a ban in the last bastion for smokers.
A Las Vegas man who has spent 30 years playing poker for a living, McEvoy isn’t exactly a mainstream celebrity. But if smoking is banned in Nevada casinos, as some advocates say is inevitable, he may become the gaming equivalent of the Marlboro man who campaigned against cigarettes.
He isn’t a paid advocate but a Stetson-wearing gambler who has hosted poker tournaments and written poker books. He’s on a first-name basis with casino executives. And he is prepared, he says, to fight a culture war with an inherently conservative industry so afraid of change it is willing to risk the health of its patrons and employees.
“I love Las Vegas. I love gaming. I’m not anti-casino. I’m anti-smoking in the casino,” he said. “This is actually going to help the industry in the long run.”
At first, McEvoy was upset about having to quit poker games because of allergic reactions to smoke. His outrage grew, he says, after the deaths of poker friends, including a nonsmoker, from smoke-related illnesses.
McEvoy is outspoken where health groups are careful. He is passionate where groups such as the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association and the Southern Nevada Health District are politically correct.
These groups supported a partial smoking ban in 2006 that exempted casino floors, which was viewed as a first step toward a complete ban.
Health groups have been quiet about such efforts. Though workers have advocated casino bans in other states, notably in Atlantic City casinos, employees have been silent here for fear of losing their jobs.
After the rapid spread of smoking bans in poker rooms, McEvoy set his sights on casino floors.
Gamblers Against Secondhand Smoke is the brainchild of Stephanie Steinberg, a gambler who was instrumental in getting smoking banned in Colorado casinos in January and who pushed for the ban in Atlantic City casinos.
Steinberg, who drafted McEvoy, isn’t a professional lobbyist or advocate either.
Her efforts began several years ago after conversations with casino workers in Colorado who said they didn’t want to work around smoke but were afraid to speak up. She founded Smoke-Free Gaming of Colorado, a coalition of casino workers and residents.
In 1999, McEvoy pushed for the first major smoke-free poker tournament in Las Vegas. He was also involved in an effort to ban smoking at the World Series of Poker, which went smoke-free in 2004. (McEnvoy won the World Series’ main event in 1983.)
Casinos have resisted smoking bans on the ground that they would lose business from gamblers who smoke. But the battleground goes beyond economics. The notion that gambling, drinking and smoking go hand-in-hand, and Nevada’s libertarian, live-and-let-live culture combined with Las Vegas’ escapist image appear to be tough obstacles.
“Casinos are afraid to offend the minority,” McEvoy said. “That’s being shortsighted. They’re on the wrong side of this issue and they know it.”
Attendance at the World Series of Poker and other tournaments has increased, in part because of the smoking bans, poker experts say.
“Tom was ultimately proven right,” said Nolan Dalla, media director of the World Series of Poker.
Dalla, a nonsmoker, was one of many gaming insiders who thought business would suffer if players were forced to walk outside for a smoke. So he and hundreds of tournament employees and players endured what observers dubbed “the World Series of Poker sickness” — the coughing, sneezing and weakened immune system that occurred after spending weeks in smoke-filled rooms.
Players — even smokers — complained by writing letters and confronting management.
Casino executives have a standard response to a total smoking ban: They already accommodate smokers and nonsmokers with smoke-free hotel rooms and other areas, such as banks of slot machines and individual tables.
“The industry says don’t mess with success, especially during these economic down times,” Dalla said. “Do we want to implement something that could drive away a certain percentage of business?”
Smoking is more of a problem in enclosed poker rooms, Dalla said, and smoke tends to dissipate better on the larger, high-ceilinged casino floor.
McEvoy said that’s not true for dealers and bartenders who breathe smoky air for hours on end. So, Gamblers Against Secondhand Smoke is spreading its smoking ban message primarily among casino workers — the people most affected by secondhand smoke.
The group has already enlisted the support of several casino dealers on the Strip, including Mario Ragazzo.
“The vast majority of gamblers don’t smoke, and those who do aren’t necessarily our best customers,” Ragazzo said. “But all casinos know is the status quo. Unless you put pressure on people, they’re not going to change.”
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Most excellent. This tide of revolt against the greedy casinos who only think about their bottom lines is a breath of fresh air. I am in vegas in comped rooms at ballys over thankgiving. If there is no non smoking areas then i am going to green valley ranch to do all my gambling. they will find if they upset the majority it is seriously going to hurt their profits.
If a person does not want to go into a Smokey casino then they don't have to go into it. Spend your money at a casino that does have non smoking areas.
It should be left up to the business owner, not the government.
I am sure if there is a real call for non smoking casinos that the big boys will be all over this and open up those casinos. They want your money but it is their Billions they are spending to build them. Others should stop trying to make this into a Nanny State.
If you don't like the way a business is ran, vote with your checkbook and feet, don't go there.
Maybe this poker pro should take his own money - open his own non-smoking casino and then when the government tries to butt in with their mandates on his privately owned business he can see first hand how that feels. People - just get over it - if you don't like the smoke - STAY HOME. Why would you want the government sticking their already too long nose into businesses that are privately owned - if this persists it will be the beginning of the end of Democracy as it was intended to be. Don't forget - maybe today the government is butting in ON your behalf but what will you say when they butt in on something that does NOT affect you in what you perceive to be a positive manner. Can't have your cake and eat it too -
Oh and btw, I am NOT a smoker and NOT a business owner - I am just a person who is sick of the government trying to tell other people how to run their business, who they have to sell their house to, who they have to rent their house to, etc. etc. etc. And they call this Democracy? Give me a break.
Eliminate all smoking bans. You have no right to tell an owner of a private establishment that they cannot allow smoking.
Smoking bans are, and I hate to say it but its true, fascist.
Ban smoking bans!
This is a tough one.
There are and will be casino workers that will die from second hand smoke.
On the other hand, if there is a smoking ban, then thousands will lose jobs and the state budget will be cut short by hundreds of millions of dollars.
An alternative to smoking bans
It is clear that separation of smokers from non-smokers combined
with air exchange technology is a complete solution to this largely
artificial problem. All it takes is regulating authorities setting the
standards for indoor air quality on passive smoke, and the technology
does the rest. Such air quality standards are common in industrial
and environmental contexts. But, to date, no country in the world has
set them for smoking areas. It seems clear that the reasons are not
scientific, nor are they economic or technical: they are political.
As to the annoyance of smoking, a compromise between smokers and non-smokers
can be reached, through setting a quality standard and the use of modern
ventilation technology.
Air ventilation can easily create a comfortable environment that removes not
just passive smoke, but also and especially the potentially serious
contaminants that are independent from smoking.
Thomas Laprade
I agree that if you don't want smoke in a casino, go to a casino that has no smoking areas. I agree with the poker rooms of no smoking, but hey ....to ban smoking all together is totally wrong. To get people to stop smoking all together would be to stop making tobacco products and that won't happen....Hey poker guy, play poker and keep out of politics, you'll loose.
well as only 22% of people do not want smoking banned then your case is extremely weak. power to the people.
as much as i hate smokers, i think a ban would be horrible for business. people are already going away from vegas with a bad taste in their mouth, let's go ahead and let them smoke. they can smoke, and you can go to a different slot machine.
I had to quit bartending at the monte carlo because of the excess smoke, I chose my health over my job. To all you non-smokers going to these toxic environments, we all know nowadays secondhand smoke is just as deadly as puffing yourself. Let the degenerate smoker and gambler kill themselves, we'll all have to pay for it in the long run in higher premiums.
If you support the ban then you must be willing to pay the price.
If you work in Las Vegas then the side-effect of banning smoking in casinos could mean that you lose your job.
Also, there would be a significant shrinkage of the size of Nevada's economy which mean that there would be a significat shrinkage in the size of the almighty state budget, too.
Money money money, to hell with the health of our society as long as corporate america can cash in. If smoke causes less business meaning loss of jobs, lets train for new healthy careers. Typewriter repairman had to move on, so can you. YOU CAN DO IT.
For those of you claiming to be "looking out for the public" in your zeal to see smokers and those "nasty" tobacco products drawn, quartered and flushed down the toilet, keep the following in mind:
1) A total smoking ban WILL...I repeat...WILL result in major job losses as, using phil721's words, smokers "move on". That means an even larger increase in unemployment, and a major reduction in city and state services as tax revenues decline. Just look to Atlantic City and Illinois if you want to see what can happen.
2) Expect a substantial increase in the level of taxes you pay...and NOT because of the increase in unemployment. Do you have any IDEA just how much of the cost of that $7.00 pack of cigarettes is in federal/state/local taxes? Just count up the number of packs purchased every day at one mini-mart, and you'll get an idea of just how much money is involved.
3) Expect increases in violence in and around bars, nightclubs and casinos. Smokers do so because it helps to calm their nerves. Now take away their ability to smoke, and you will see decreases in tolerance and increases in aggravation. (check local police reports for the number of calls to places affected by the current smoking regulations)
Oh, and for those of you who continue to use the argument that you shouldn't put the almighty dollar above the public health, then put your money where your mouth is. Turn in your automobiles, which spew a greater volume of toxins into the air than any smoker can. When you're finished, you can shut off the electricity to your house. After all, coal-generated energy? Global warming. Nuclear energy? Leaving radioactivity for your great great great grandkids? Oh, and have those casinos shuttered that pump that gagging scent into the air causing those with alergies to suffer from sneezing, watering eyes and headaches.
Am I over the top? No...you cannot "claim" you are concerned about the public health and then say smokers are the ONLY cause of distress. The fact that YOU, personally, do not approve does not give you the RIGHT to dictate to others what they can and cannot do. The facts are simple. Casinos have always been smoke filled. I have never seen a photo or archival video that did not include patrons standing around with cigarette/cigar/pipe in hand. You got a job in a casino, knowing full well the smoking conditions, for one reason...to make money. You could just as easily gone to work in a bank, restaurant or office, but you chose one that offered you a quicker route to getting wealthy. You want to be able to choose, so allow those same casinos to choose. If you are so certain that the economics of a smoke free environment in a casino are viable, convince Harrah's or MGM Mirage to convert ONE of their casinos into a smoke free haven(they HAVE enough of them). Let them run it as such for 12 to 18 months and then look at the bottom line.
Oh, wait...Silver City casino tried that...I think they're a Walgreen's now.
Nevada, be afraid, be very afraid! Stephanie Steinberg is a very bored, rich, ultra-liberal wife of a powerful Denver attorney. She has nothing better to do than try to tell others how to run their businesses. The name of her advocacy group seems to change weekly. One week she is "smokefree gaming of Colorado" or "smokefree gaming of Nevada". Now I see she has changed to "Gamblers Against Secondhand Smoke". It should be named "Bored Ass Nanny-Stater Who Wants to Tell You How to Live". Don't let her destroy your freedoms, like she did here in Colorado. Casino smoking today ... who knows what for tomorrow?
Give that pack of smoke to your kids and tell them it's good for the economy...
Not sure - in Illinois they banned smoking in Casinos and there was some decline in gaming. Of course that was especially true around st. louis where there were casinos which permitted smoking. at some point they need to do the right thing and let the business adjust. The casinos without smoking built smoking lounges and that helped somewhat!
Oh, yeah, like those non-smoking areas really work. I come to Vegas from the Detroit area at least twice a year (this year 4 times) and would love a total non-smoking atmosphere.
There is a non-smoking area in one of the Detroit casinos but they haven't put one new machine in it since it was built. Plus, smoke floats over to it from the predominantly smoking floor. I don't go there anymore.
Across the river in Canada there is a totally non-smoking casino, very nice, very upscale and I'm there at least once a week. It has several "smoking rooms" where ppl can go for a puff. IT's a pleasure to sit down at a slot and not have to look around for smokers or have to get up when someone sits down next to me and lights up. It's a little inconvenient to have to cross over to Canada to play, but you can get used to anything.
Yes, you can get used to anything, including not smoking until you get yourself to a smoking area. The dealers like it, too.
Come on people , can you not smoke for a couple of hours . I hate the smell ! You people stink.
jfnance - it's not tough at all - people know going into the job what the atmosphere entails so if they don't like being in the midst of the smoke they should simply go look for a different job. Why is that so difficult to understand? The only thing that's tough, I suppose, is giving up the lucrative tips. But heck every place these days (except my job) seems to expect to get tipped just for doing the job they're being paid to do - even business's that aren't what would traditionally be considered 'tip-oriented' jobs. Not really tough at all........
phil you probably shouldn't have taken the job to begin with as I'm sure you knew you'd be surrounded by 2nd hand smoke. Ah, but I bet you loved those tips you made - I'm sure that's what kept you around for a lot longer than you would have stayed had it not been for those darned ole tips.
People wake up - when you start applauding the government for sticking their 2 cents into how someone runs their own business you are simply making it easier and easier for the government to become more and more intrusive into our private lives. While I may not smoke or even drink I certainly recognize that a business has a right to run itself according to the rules of the business owner.
I just don't understand why people are such advocates of government intrusion - maybe this time it's because it's something you abhor yourself and can agree to their butting in but what about the next issue? One of these days you might find the government butting into something that you are NOT in agreement with - then will you sing a different tune?
The Nevada economy is struggling now.
If we had a smoking ban then it would really really hurt.
There probably would be at least 20% drop in business.
10,000s of people would lose their jobs as that drop in business would spread outward.
The state budget would have to be cut another 20%.
You people are crazy!
I really think people miss the big point here - it's not about the economy, or the someone's health - it's very simply about government trying to mandate what a business owner can or cannot do in their own business as it pertains to a substance that is LEGAL..... I guess all the non-smokers want to thank Uncle Sam for sticking his nose in someone else's business - but just wait till he sticks his nose in yours when it concerns about you DON'T agree with the government on - then you will want to change your tune. This is about Democracy here folks, plain and simple, and about choices both for or against patronizing a business that allows for the use of a LEGAL substance......... I don't care for the smell of either a cigarette or a bottle of beer but I certainly don't want the government taking away the freedom of the business owner when it comes to deciding how to run his own business. I can make a choice to either patronize or not patronize the business - if I don't like the smoke I can go elsewhere - if I don't like to smell stinky beer I can go elsewhere....... when are people gonna wake up and see that this government intrusion on the so-called behalf of the 'majority' will be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to chipping away at the true meaning of being a democracy. Maybe in some communist country you might expect the government to tell a business what is or is not 'allowed' according to the government but I certainly don't expect that from a government that claims to be a democracy.
I am just as passionate when it comes to the government telling me that I HAVE to rent my house out to a person I clearly wouldn't want to rent to - the government calls it discrimination to do otherwise - I call it simple common sense - If I rent my house to someone with 6 kids and they proceed to destroy it would I then want to fix it up and rent it to another family with 6 kids? I don't think so.......like the saying goes I don't need a brick to fall on my head.....but here goes the government again telling a homeowner what he can/can't do as it pertains to renting or even selling his own home...why is the government sticking their nose into that? Because they call it discrimination. All I can say is when the government promises (in writing) to pay for the damages done I'll let them tell me who I can't deny renting my home to - until then it's MY home and it's MY money that's gonna have to pay for the repairs so it should also be MY choice if I want to rent it to a particular family or not - I would much prefer an older couple any day of the week over a family with 6 kids and perhaps a bunch of animals - and yes, I love animals but I don't want them destroying my home.
Why does the government have to be involved in this? Can't the businesses decide for themselves?
Like many unhappy non-smokers say, "If I have to deal with smoke, I'll go to this other place!"
GOOD! That's the idea! If allowing smoking is hurting the casino that bad financially, then they will ban smoking. To me it seems really cut and dry.
If you don't eat meat, don't go to the butcher. If you don't like the smoke, don't go to the casino.
I personally hate smoke but I don't think it should be up to the government to legislate this... I have friends that smoke and while I would prefer that they not it is there choice...I don't have to be their friend or frequent the Casinos...The fact that many of the Casino visitors are from Asia and Europe where smoking is still acceptable; should deter us from making such a rash move...These people smoke and spend their money here, they could just as easily go other places that are not so uptight.....
If the dogooder non-smokers want to breath then let them go outside.
Its always a few bigmouths that make it bad for everyone.
If you don't want to smoke (STAY OUT)
Us smokers have lost enough of our rights.
ask8fan :
Your name sounds really familiar . Umm You kind of disagree with every article written. What kind of job do you have , that this wil not affect you? I suggest you move to Mexico , where the government would not mandate your life.
I am from England and thought you might appreciate my thoughts on this subject of smoking bans.
Firstly the poll that accompanies this article is flawed - I would not wish to vote 'for' a ban but agree with both the remaining options as will many - both of these should be added together as they both apply.
I am pleased that the majority of comments have similar views to myself but I am still amazed to see the continuing ignorance (or malice) of anti-smokers on second hand smoke. Let me make it clear *SHS IS NOT HARMFUL TO HEALTH!!* - the anti-tobacco movement have manipulated the figures - THEY LIE!
The smoking ban is well established in the UK (The ban began on 7th july 07) but it has caused unbelievable damage to business -Pubs, clubs and bingo halls are closing at an unprecedented rate. In England alone around 36 pubs are closing every week, it has little to do with the 'credit crunch'- but you will still hear 'anti smoking' claim that the ban is 'successful' - THEY LIE.
The ban is destroying society by pitting anti-smoker against smoker resulting in intolerance, violence, anger and hatred. I fear it will get much worse before it gets better and even then only if some amendments are made - which is, at the moment, unlikely. Real crime is being neglected by law enforcement while enforcing the smoking ban has apparently become paramount. People are starting to get angry!
Read this for a little insight;
http://www.freedom2choose.info/news1.php...
I do not wish to blame anyone but I have to say that while we in the UK have meekly allowed the government to treat its subjects with disdain and contempt - led by a minority of anti-smokers (as opposed to non-smokers who generally are very tolerant)- it was USA that started this attack on personal freedoms - in particular - California.
I ask all you free minded Americans to put a stop to this mania - The cure MUST come from where this cancer started. If you are able to put down this madness - our leaders will follow as they always do. I used to be proud of my country but my patriotism is being sorely challenged.
Please do not take offence that is not my intention.
All you non-smokers are a bunch of sniveling babies , I quit smoking after 50 years and the smoke in the casinos does not bother me one bit. And you can sit in you almighty house of what and call me a liar, but I have not smoked since Feb 1 2008 and i an not a complainer about someone that still smokes , It is there choice to do with there life what they want.Like someone said if you dont like stay home in your bubble.
Wow, even I am shocked by the outrageous statements coming from some of these posts. All of these doomsdayers predicting that our economy will colapse because the minority of smokers can't puff away at the casinos - ridiculous. Just like everywhere that a smoking ban is introduced, there will be a short term drop off in business followed by a return to normal as everyone gets used to the situation. Soooo dramatic. This is a public health issue, not an economic one. We need to consider the health of thousands of casino employees and non-smoking patrons.
Once again "truthfromreason," secondhand smoke is not a health threat. Obviously, your reasoning has escaped you. Independent experts everywhere agree that SHS is not a health threat. If you need sources, just let me know. I'm happy to provide them. SHS danger fabrication is a product of self-interested, bored, whiny, "I'm better than you" hypochondriacs. Also, government "scientists" and university "independent" scientists that produced and still produces the "evidence" that feuls the anti-smoking propaganda were and are pressured into producing favorable results to those who support smoking bans and, well, making smoking illegal. These supporters are obviously swayed by political favoritism and money (think of big pharma here). Okay, I'm done for the moment on that topic.
Take a step back and really question yourself as to why you believe SHS is a health risk. Actually, the risks of SMOKING are highly inflated. Oh yeah, you know about that surgeon general's warning that says smoking light or ultra light cigarettes are (in short) not safer? That's wrong, too. The Surgeon General responsible for these warnings and findings has admitted to being coerced into producing certain results. By the way, the WHO report that got this whole thing started, while junk science at its best, even stated that it found no associated health risk with exposure to "ETS." Well, the fine people that commissioned the study just decided to "legally" change the title of the study to indicate findings that SHS causes lung cancer.
To those with allergies triggered by cigarette smoke: Don't fault smokers for your allergies. That's your problem. I'm allergic to pollen, grass, dust mites, and anything that has fur. I sneeze every time I walk outside. While in Vegas, my girlfriend started finding it humorous (as did I) that every time I walked outside that (mocking) "nasty, dirty, smoke-filled casino" I sneezed constantly. On the casino floor...no problems. Maybe we should pave everything because nature triggers my allergies.
One last thing to those who support smoking bans just because you don't like the smell of cigarette smoke:
I hate ranch dressing, and the smell of it makes me want to puke. This goes for mayonaise as well. When I go to restaurants, I can smell it on other person's plates as well as the people I'm sitting with. The government should ban it from restaurants because I don't like the smell of it even though other people enjoy it. Sounds pretty ridiculous doesn't it?
And yes, I am a smoker and proud to be one in these times of stupidity.
SHS causes lung cancer...and there were witches in Salem.
I'm so embarrassed. I let out a little inkling of falsity in my previous posting that I cannot retrieve now. Here it is:
I commented on cigarette smoke allergies. ACTUALLY, NO SUCH ALLERGY EXISTS. Mister Poker Pro has no such non-existent allergy...just a whiny distaste for cigarette smoke. My sincere apologies to readers.
Thank god someone is fighting for our rights to breathe clean air! Thank you Gamblers Against Secondhand Smoke and Tom McEvey! There are hundreds of people I know in California and New York, who refuse to go to Las Vegas, due to the cigarette smoke. We are all hoping to see the day when casinos are smoke free...they would have so many more customers if they did.
Oh, and to fredvinson, the who stated that their is no such thing as a smoke allergy...why don't you do some research on Vocal Cord Disorders...their is such a thing!
Good for Tom McEvoy! I come to Vegas every now and then, but am very much discouraged from entering the casinos and bars because of all the smoke. There are so many people who would not only come to the casinos more often but also spend mroe time there if they were smoke free.
Tom McEvoy is a hero.
Aren't we talking about a adult establishment? In
this country ..so far.. you have a choice..When you take a job or go to a place that allows smoking you know this upfront..Its not a surprise..Just don't go there..simple..Please don't tell people how to conduct their lives..It comes off as pompous and ignorant kinda a like some politicians I know
I find it truly amazing that this poker player is only concerned with smokers. Since the up rise of poker in the past few years, poker has been represented by guys that dress like and smell like pigs. You see them on TV dressed like they bought the ugliest clothes possible at thrift store. If poker players are to be taken seriously....they need to look that part instead of looking like a low class drug infested group.
You may be more interested in the diseases you could catch from them rather than their cigarettes
p.s I love poker
Gamblers Against Second Hand Smoke need to get a life! Try concentrating your energy on something really important and we have enough pressing matters to attend to in our present world. By the way, I am a non-smoker all of my life.
I'm a dealer and have been for 30 years.
I love my job, BUT for the smoke!
Last night, there were 2 cigars and 3 cigarettes
all blowing my way. It made me nauseous and
I felt it in my chest as well as it being a
complete insult to my senses. It makes my job
miserable...absolutely miserable. The other
players on my game (we were down-wind from the
game with the smoke) hated it too. It's hideous. These people impose their filthy, unhealthy habit on others for their own pleasure, and we have to suffer. Suffer...as a dealer, I'm in effect chained to the table..I can't move and
I feel like it's like being chained in the back of a car by the exhaust pipe. Please, Please ban
smoking in ALL public places. Suzette
I found an Electronic Cigarette that allows me to smoke in banned areas and I really like it. You can do this because when you exhale there is no smoke only Vapour. Today on CNN they did a piece on the Electronic Cigarette and said the same and a lot of other positive points. If you want to check it out go to this link.
myinlife.com/smokeelc
I got my e-cigs a couple days ago. They are great. I can "smoke" anywhere and everywhere. Plus all the money I am saving and I feel so much better. There is also no oder so all the people I work with dont complain in our non-smoking breakroom. My wife doesnt even complain when I use it in the house.
http://www.blucigs.com/index.php?ref=258...