This bill would safeguard the wellbeing of both employees and visitors, while also making a significant contribution to bringing in new clients who prefer a smoke-free gaming setting.

Cynthia Hallett, President and CEO of ANR, released a statement after the bill was passed.

The statement read: “We applaud Kansas Senators from both parties for recognizing that casino workers and guests deserve protection from dangerous second-hand smoke. Casino workers in Kansas, like in a growing number of states across the country, have been urging their legislators to act to finally end indoor smoking.

“The Kansas workers were inspired by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), New Jersey. This worker-led movement that started in Atlantic City is only growing because workers are tired of having to choose between their health and a paycheck. We urge the Kansas House to also pass this bill and send it to Governor Kelly’s desk.”

Last fall, the casino employees fighting to ban indoor smoking in New Jersey made the announcement that they had expanded their worker-led movement outside of the Garden State to gaming markets across the nation.

With the establishment of CEASE Rhode Island and CEASE Pennsylvania, CEASE launched its first associates outside of New Jersey. Since then, they have maintained constant contact with casino employees in Kansas, Virginia, Nevada and Indiana.

Pete Naccarelli, the Co-Founder of CEASE, said: “This is not just a moment. This is a movement.”