Missouri’s latest attempt to clear smoke from casino floors is running out of road. House Bill 1618, which would end the indoor smoking exemption enjoyed by all 13 of the state’s casinos since 1993, hasn’t even made it to committee despite bipartisan support. With the General Assembly set to adjourn on May 15, time is tight.

Bill Shows Early Promise, Then Goes Nowhere

Rep. Bruce Sassmann’s bill had a decent start. Two Republicans and four Democrats signed on as co-sponsors, suggesting this wasn’t going to be a partisan fight. The measure cleared two House floor readings in January.

Then it just stopped moving.

The problem? Missouri lawmakers have had plenty of other gambling issues to occupy them. Last week alone, new slot machine regulations scraped through the House as part of a crackdown on grey-market gaming. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has been busy going after illegal video lottery terminals that have been operating in legal limbo for years.

When you’re trying to clean up an unregulated gambling sector whilst also debating fundamental changes to how casinos operate, something has to give. The smoking ban appears to be that something.

Kansas Effort Already Dead

Across the border, Kansas had two shots at banning casino smoking and missed both. Senate Bill 176 and its House companion, HB 2252, were meant to amend the state’s 2010 Clean Air Act to include the four state casinos.

Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects backed the House version, hoping worker health concerns would push it over the line. They didn’t. Both bills stalled in committee and failed to cross over to the opposite chamber before the February 19 deadline. The Kansas Legislature sits until April 10, but these measures are done.

Special Exemptions Under Pressure

Missouri casinos have operated under a carve-out in the 1993 Clean Indoor Air Law for over three decades. It’s the kind of exemption that made sense when smoking was commonplace in hospitality venues. These days, with most public spaces smoke-free, it stands out.

Whether that’s enough to overcome legislative gridlock in Jefferson City is another matter entirely. Look, the bill has support. But support without committee assignment doesn’t move legislation. Unless something changes quickly, Missouri casino workers and patrons will be dealing with secondhand smoke for at least another year.

Both states show how difficult it is to change long-standing casino operating practices, even when the measure has cross-party backing and worker advocacy behind it. The calendar matters as much as the votes, frankly.