2/10/12: Revel Resorts announces first Atlantic City smokefree casino opening
Revel Atlantic City casino resort will open to guests on April 2, 2012 and be 100% smokefree indoors and outside, which is a first for Atlantic City. CEO Kevin DeSanctis' decision protects workers and patrons by creating the first 100% smokefree gaming establishment in Atlantic City.
On March 9, 2012, USA Today reported on how Revel may change Atlantic City as the first 100% smokefree property, indoors and outside. The article quotes Revel CEO Kevin DeSanctis,
"I think smoking is so yesterday" and turns off the clientele he seeks, says DeSanctis.... Interestingly, I have only heard from non- smokers, who are ecstatic."GASP provided technical assistance to Revel Resorts throughout the decision-making process to be a smokefree facility. Read the Asbury Park Press article (also picked up by the Las Vegas Review Journal) about Revel's planned opening in which our Executive Director, Karen Blumenfeld is quoted, “Who wants to be around secondhand smoke? Not workers, not guests. Not anywhere indoors or outside. It’s a class-A carcinogen that kills people. Revel CEO DeSanctis gets it and deserves a standing ovation.” Read a USA Today article and a Press of Atlantic City article about the opening. Read the GASP press release about the opening.
New Jersey casinos were exempted from the 2006 New Jersey Smokefree Air Act, with subsequent local Atlantic City legislation allowing the casinos to allocate up to 25% of their gaming floors smoking-permitted, which has historically led to enforcement issues. Read about this in our 4/27/11 news alert.
Go to our Atlantic City webpage to read more about this legislative history and past efforts to protect casino workers from secondhand smoke.
Learn more on our webpage about the economic impact of smokefree gaming.
Last update: 3/13/12