Can You Smoke in Illinois Casinos?
If you’ve ever visited casinos in places like Las Vegas or Atlantic City, you probably noticed plenty of people smoking at slot machines or poker tables. But what about Illinois? Many visitors planning a trip to casinos in Chicago, Rock Island, or other Illinois cities often ask: can you smoke in Illinois casinos?
The short answer is no—Illinois has one of the strictest smoking bans in the country. Let’s explore why, what the law says, and what options players have.
The Illinois Smoking Ban
In 2008, Illinois passed the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, which banned smoking in nearly all public places, including:
Restaurants
Bars
Workplaces
Casinos
This means that indoor smoking is not allowed in Illinois casinos. Whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, you cannot light up anywhere on the gaming floor.
The ban was created to:
Protect workers from secondhand smoke
Improve public health
Align Illinois with other states that passed similar smoke-free laws
What About Casinos?
Casinos in Illinois are treated like any other public business under the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. That means:
Smoking is not permitted at slot machines, table games, or poker rooms.
Casino staff and players must follow the same rules.
Violating the law can lead to fines for both the smoker and the casino.
So if you’re used to smoking while you gamble, you’ll need to adjust when visiting an Illinois casino.
Are There Designated Smoking Areas?
Yes, most Illinois casinos provide outdoor smoking areas for guests. These may include:
Outdoor patios near entrances
Covered areas with heaters during colder months
Designated smoking shelters
Casinos know many players are smokers, so they try to make outdoor areas as comfortable as possible. But you still have to leave the gaming floor to smoke.
Can You Vape in Illinois Casinos?
Some players wonder if vaping or e-cigarettes are allowed indoors since they don’t produce smoke. However, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act includes e-cigarettes, meaning vaping is also banned in casinos. You must step outside to use e-cigarettes or other vaping devices.
Why Illinois Casinos Don’t Allow Smoking
Casinos in some states fought hard against smoking bans, claiming they would lose revenue. But Illinois made the decision for health reasons. Studies showed:
Workers in casinos had high exposure to secondhand smoke.
Smoke-free environments encourage non-smokers to visit more often.
Long-term health costs outweigh short-term revenue concerns.
Even though some players dislike the rule, Illinois casinos continue to thrive without indoor smoking.
Do Other States Allow Smoking in Casinos?
Yes, and this is why players often compare Illinois to other regions.
Nevada (Las Vegas) – Smoking is still allowed in most casinos.
New Jersey (Atlantic City) – Smoking is allowed on 25% of the casino floor.
Ohio & Illinois – Completely smoke-free.
Pennsylvania – Some casinos allow limited smoking sections.
So while Illinois is strict, it’s not alone—many states are moving toward smoke-free casinos.
Casinos in Illinois
Currently, Illinois has several casinos, including:
Rivers Casino (Des Plaines)
Grand Victoria Casino (Elgin)
Hollywood Casinos (Aurora, Joliet)
Harrah’s Joliet and Harrah’s Metropolis
DraftKings at Casino Queen (East St. Louis)
Rock Island’s Bally’s Quad Cities
All of them follow the no-smoking law inside their facilities.
Tips for Smokers Visiting Illinois Casinos
If you’re a smoker, here are some tips to make your visit smoother:
Locate smoking areas before you play so you know where to step out.
Plan breaks if you’re playing for long sessions.
Carry a jacket in winter since outdoor smoking areas can get cold.
Use nicotine alternatives like gum or patches if you don’t want to leave the floor often.
Could the Law Ever Change?
Some players and casino groups have pushed for changes, arguing that Illinois loses customers to nearby states where smoking is allowed. However, lawmakers show little interest in reversing the smoking ban because:
Public support for smoke-free spaces is strong.
Health organizations push back against changes.
Casinos continue making money without smoking.
So for now, the law is unlikely to change.
Conclusion
So, can you smoke in Illinois casinos? The answer is no. Since the Smoke-Free Illinois Act of 2008, all casinos in the state are smoke-free indoors.
You can smoke or vape only in designated outdoor areas. While some gamblers miss the old days of smoking at slot machines, the ban is here to stay, keeping Illinois casinos aligned with health-first laws.
FAQs
Can you smoke inside Illinois casinos?
No, smoking is not allowed inside Illinois casinos. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act of 2008 banned smoking in all public places, including gaming floors. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes are all prohibited indoors. Smokers must use designated outdoor smoking areas provided by the casinos.
Can you vape in Illinois casinos?
No, vaping is not allowed inside Illinois casinos. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act includes e-cigarettes, so you must step outside to use them. Most casinos have designated outdoor smoking and vaping areas for guests, often with covered shelters or heaters during winter months.
Do Illinois casinos have smoking rooms?
No, Illinois casinos do not have indoor smoking rooms. The law requires all public indoor spaces to be 100% smoke-free. Instead, casinos provide outdoor smoking areas near entrances or on patios where players can take a break from gaming to smoke.
Why can’t you smoke in Illinois casinos?
Smoking is banned in Illinois casinos because of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act of 2008, which protects workers and guests from secondhand smoke. The law covers all public places, including restaurants, bars, and casinos. The goal is to create a healthier environment for everyone who visits or works in these spaces.
Which states allow smoking in casinos?
Some states still allow smoking in casinos. For example, Nevada (Las Vegas) permits it almost everywhere, and New Jersey (Atlantic City) allows it on 25% of the gaming floor. States like Illinois, Ohio, and Colorado require smoke-free casinos, while Pennsylvania and others have partial smoking sections.
