It's a hot issue in other states as well. Phil Murphy has repeatedly said he will sign it if passed. Support for a casino smoking ban is widespread among New Jersey lawmakers, with a bipartisan majority in both chambers, and Democratic Gov. But its president, Mark Giannantonio, said Thursday's delay proves that “for the first time, people are beginning to realize that the bill, as drafted, will have a significant adverse effect on Atlantic City’s economy.”Ī group representing dealers called the smoking rooms proposal “an absurd idea” that every legislator should reject. The Casino Association of New Jersey did not respond to a request for details on its proposals to lawmakers. “But it's extremely important to put health first and that's what I'm trying to do here.” “I didn't sign up to this to start taking people's livelihoods away,” Madden said. “I feel extremely confident that people will lose their jobs” under a total smoking ban. “There could be a compromise put on the table that could bring the votes. Fred Madden, said some lawmakers want to hear more from the casino industry, which he said has suggested an 18-month phase-in of a smoking ban to enable them to set up enclosed smoking rooms and additional air treatment processes.