Missouri Casino Smoking Ban Stalls, Similar Kansas Effort Fails

(AsiaGameHub) –   Smoking continues to be allowed on all 13 casino gaming floors in Missouri. Legislators have reintroduced House Bill 1618 in the state’s General Assembly, which seeks to mandate smoke-free settings in casinos. The legislative cutoff is rapidly nearing, however, making it entirely possible the bill will lack the time to advance. Furthermore, a comparable proposal in Kansas has already been defeated, contrary to earlier expectations that it would become law.

Missouri’s Smoke Ban in Casinos is Stuck in Endless Discussion

Focusing on Missouri, the state presently permits indoor smoking in casinos due to a specific exemption in its 1993 Clean Indoor Air Law. House Bill 1618 (HB1618) seeks to change this by removing that exemption. The legislation still has a long journey ahead, particularly as the Jefferson City legislature nears its adjournment for 2026.

Earlier this year, prospects for HB1618 looked considerably brighter, as it was launched with support from both parties. The bill, written by state Rep. Bruce Sassmann (R-Montgomery), is co-sponsored by two fellow Republicans and four Democrats.

After receiving two readings on the House floor in January, the bill still awaits assignment to a committee for first review. With the Missouri General Assembly scheduled to adjourn on May 15, however, the likelihood of prohibiting casino smoking this year seems low as the clock winds down.

Debate on HB 1618 appears to have been delayed partly due to other gambling matters legislators have addressed in recent weeks. For instance, a new bill to regulate slot machines just barely passed the House last week. This action is part of a wider state initiative to manage “gray market” slot games. Indeed, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has already begun pursuing illegal gambling machines, with a particular focus on video lottery terminals (VLTs) that have existed in a legal gray zone.

Anti-Smoking Bills in Kansas Fail

In the neighboring state of Kansas, Senate Bill 176 has already met its end. The bill aimed to modify the Kansas Clean Air Act of 2010 to eliminate secondhand smoke from the state’s four casinos. Kansas Senate Bill 176 has seen no movement since February, when it was sent to the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs. The committee created the measure at the request of state Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Johnson).

A related proposal in the Kansas House of Representatives, supported by Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects, has similarly stalled. House Bill 2252 has remained inactive for weeks in the House Committee on Health and Human Services. While the Kansas Legislature does not adjourn until April 10, both SB176 and HB2252 are currently defunct after missing the state’s crossover deadline of February 19 to move to the opposite chamber.