A gambler lights a cigarette at a slot machine in Harrah’s casino in Atlantic City N.J. on Sept. 29, 2023. A national anti-smoking group and a Michigan health system are enlisting shareholders of major gambling companies including Boyd Gaming, Bally’s, and Caesars Entertainment to push the companies to study the financial effects of eliminating smoking in their casinos. Lamont White, a dealer at Atlantic City’s Borgata casino, speaks during an anti-smoking rally in Trenton, N.J.
And while it remains to be seen whether the proposals will be approved by investors, the move represents yet another aspect of an effort by casino smoking foes to leave no stone unturned in their drive to end smoking in gambling halls.
Historically, shareholder proposals face long odds of being approved and implemented. A study last month by the Conference Board found that 913 shareholder proposals were filed in 2023, and 71% were voted on, receiving an average support of 23%.