Sault Tribe Implements Smoke-Free Policy at All Gaming Properties

_{Guests will now enjoy a smoke-free environment at Kewadin Casinos, thanks to a new policy. (Image: Dennis MacDonald / Alamy)}

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians transitioned all five of its Kewadin Casino facilities to smoke-free venues on Monday, a move the tribe says it is making for the health and safety of its visitors and employees.

The Sault Tribe Board of Directors agreed on the policy at a September meeting and set the November 11 date for implementation at that time.

Anti-Smoking Advocates Praise Changes at Kewadin Casinos

Effective this week, all Kewadin Casinos now have a designated outdoor smoking area with seating for smokers. There are also access points in other locations where patrons can step outside to smoke. Renovations to transition the casinos to non-smoking facilities included HVAC and duct cleaning, as well as carpet and tile replacements.

“The policy change aligns with our mission to create the very best experience possible for all our guests,” Kewadin Casinos CEO Allen Kerridge said in a statement. 

“We’ve heard from many customers and team members who feel a smoke-free environment is the right step forward. We’re excited to meet their needs and provide an even more welcoming atmosphere at all our properties.” adds Kerridge.

The move was praised by advocates who have been pushing for more casinos to eliminate indoor smoking due to the potential health risks to workers and guests.

“By joining over 1,000 casinos, including more than 140 tribal gaming properties, in going smokefree, Kewadin Casinos have set a powerful example for other gaming facilities to follow suit,” Clinton Isham, Tribal Relations Consultant for the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, said in a statement. 

“This decision not only aligns with the overwhelming public preference for smokefree environments but also paves the way for a safer, healthier experience that will benefit everyone who visits or works at the Kewadin Casinos.”

The five Kewadin Casinos are all located on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with facilities in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel.

Battles Over Smoking in Casinos Continue Across America

The decision comes as a prolonged battle over smoking in casinos rages on in Atlantic City. While a group of casino workers have so far failed to ban smoking on casino floors, the appeal process continues, and there may also be legislative paths to ending the exemption to New Jersey law that allows for indoor smoking in gaming facilities. 

Similar battles could be on the horizon in Las Vegas and other casino markets.

Many casino owners and workers have argued that eliminating smoking from casinos would threaten gaming revenues, ultimately costing jobs in those facilities. However, opponents have countered by pointing to studies that show no significant revenue losses at the many casinos nationwide that have eliminated indoor smoking.

In addition, Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights has highlighted studies that show a link between smoking and problem gambling, suggesting that the two habits reinforce one another, especially if smoking is allowed on the casino floor.