In 2006, Nevada voters were offered two smoking initiatives and passed the Clean Indoor Air Act to ban smoking in many public places - but not casinos, bars, taverns, strip clubs, smoke shops and private residences. Neighboring states including California have strict smoking bans. 'I think there might be a better reaction now, while people are asked to wear masks.' COVID-19 is forcing us to rethink a lot of things. 'The tradition has been that you go to Las Vegas to do things that are bad for you,' said Michael Green, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas history professor whose father was a blackjack dealer for 30 years at old Las Vegas casinos, including the Stardust and Showboat. Smoking and secondhand smoke has in the past sparked lawsuits and intense political debate.
The move by the city's largest casino employer is a turning point in a city known for neon lights and tourists lighting up even if they can't at home.
Moving to smoke-free is hardly a gamble, Nikodemus said: 'We believe there is a high level of pent-up demand to have a non-smoking casino, especially here in Las Vegas.'