There Could Be a Smoking Ban in Iowa Casinos

Smoking has been banned in public places in Iowa since 2008, but there’s been an exception that has allowed smoking in the gaming areas of Iowa casinos. Democratic Senator Janet Petersen says the state’s tribal casinos and some state-licensed casinos temporarily moved to ban smoking to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Petersen says that may be a silver lining of the pandemic and “it is time for the legislature to put that policy in place.” She chaired the Iowa House Commerce Committee in 2008 and led the effort to pass the Iowa Smoke-free Act. But Iowa Gaming Association CEO Wes Ehrecke says “casinos probably have some of the best filtration and ventilation systems around.” Ehrecke says adults should be allowed to make adult decisions in adult venues.