County authorities reject proposal to allow smoking at West Virginia casino
Updated Article:
Published on: May 16, 2025, 11:55 AM.
Last updated on: May 16, 2025, 12:10 PM.
Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinONew Twist Vegas in the Midwest Gaming Legislation Politics
West Virginia's Mardi Gras Casino's Plea for Smoke-Filled Gambling Falls Flat
- *Cigarette smoke stays banned in Mardi Gras Casino, bucking local gaming trend
- *Disagreement over health concerns and economic impact
Mardi Gras Casino's aspiration to promote smoke-filled gambling sessions by loosening its anti-smoking policy has hit a stumbling block, as local officials have refused the casino's request to allow designated smoking areas.
With five casino properties across West Virginia, Mardi Gras Casino is one of two that enforces a strict no-smoking policy on its premises. Though smoking is tolerated at three other casinos, Mardi Gras Casino, owned by gaming giant Delaware North, retains its smoke-free status due to a county ordinance.
In October 2023, the casino attempted to sway public opinion with a petition to the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health, appealing for the right to designate up to 10% of its gaming area for cigarettes, excluding pipes, cigars, and vapes. A pitch was made to the health board that the absence of a smoking section might be costing the casino millions in lost revenue.
Dr. Dara Aliff-Lao, an OBGYN in the county, stood resolute in her opposition to the petition during a recent vote. "We're here for health," she emphasized. "I feel like it would send the wrong message for a health department to rescind anything."
Gaming the System
Mardi Gras reps argued that a smoking facility in Kentucky, Sandy's Racing & Gaming, which launched in October 2023, boasting slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines and a BetMGM Sportsbook, is eroding business for Mardi Gras. The newly opened gaming facility's smoking-friendly atmosphere is drawing patrons away from Mardi Gras, as the state of West Virginia has the highest smoking rate in the nation at 25.2%.
Kentucky legalized HHR games in 2021. These machines mimic traditional slot machines but are parimutuel wagering devices that leverage previously run horse races to determine payouts.
Sandy's Racing & Gaming cautiously accommodates smokers by setting aside a separated smoking area to minimize health risks. However, Mardi Gras Casino representatives argue that the county's smoke-free policy positions it at a significant disadvantage.
The Health versus Wealth Debate
The Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health was not unanimous in its decision to turn down Mardi Gras's petition. Two board members β President Jeremy Nelson and Jessica Hudson β supported the casino's proposal, stressing the financial burden imposed by the county smoking ban.
"Mardi Gras has a huge impact on our community," Nelson explained, pointing to the potential revenue losses and the estimated $66,000 less tax revenue for Kanawha County this year. "They are at a disadvantage, and I think they've proven that the amount of people's money that's going across the state line is alarming."
Health concerns were ultimately deemed more pressing, as board members voted in favor of preserving the smoke-free environment. This decision reflects a commitment to maintaining public health standards and alleviating potential health risks for Mardi Gras Casino patrons and employees. While the revenue disparities with Kentucky's Sandy's Racing & Gaming played a role, the board prioritized health over economic benefits.
- Mardi Gras Casino's petition to allow smoking in a designated area has been denied, despite its argument that doing so could generate more revenue.
- Dr. Dara Aliff-Lao, an OBGYN in the county, opposed the petition, stating that it would send the wrong message for a health department to rescind smoking policies.
- Mardi Gras Casino's no-smoking policy stands in contrast to three other casinos in West Virginia that allow smoking.
- Sandy's Racing & Gaming in Kentucky, with its smoking-friendly atmosphere, is drawing patrons away from Mardi Gras Casino, as West Virginia has the highest smoking rate in the nation.
- Sandy's Racing & Gaming offers slot-like historical horse racing (HHR) machines and a BetMGM Sportsbook.
- Two members of the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health supported Mardi Gras's proposal, citing the financial burden imposed by the county smoking ban.
- Despite the revenue disparities between Mardi Gras and Kentucky's Sandy's Racing & Gaming, the board prioritized health over economic benefits, maintaining a commitment to public health standards.
