New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidate Pledges to Cease Atlantic City Casino Smoking

Posted on: April 17, 2025, 02:05h. 

Last updated on: April 17, 2025, 09:44h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

• A New Jersey gubernatorial candidate pledges to end Atlantic City casino smoking
• Steven Fulop is the mayor of Jersey City
• Polling suggests New Jerseyans are ready for smoke-free casinos

The 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election has its first candidate who is running on a campaign that includes extinguishing casino smoking in Atlantic City.

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop was among the first Democrats to throw his hat in the 2025 race when he announced in April 2023 his intentions to succeed term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D). Fulop has pledged to work with lawmakers in Trenton, should he be elected to the state’s highest office, to pass legislation to end the casino smoking loophole that was included in the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act in 2006.

CEASE — Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects — says Fulop is the first 2025 candidate to publicly embrace a smoke-free casino policy.

As governor, I’ll work relentlessly alongside CEASE to finally end the dangerous loophole that allows smoking in casinos,” Fulop said in a CEASE statement emailed to Casino.org. “Every worker in New Jersey deserves a safe workplace, no exceptions.”

Casino smoking is allowed inside Atlantic City casinos in designated areas. Health experts, including those at the CDC, say such designated areas don’t adequately protect employees and patrons in supposedly smoke-free sections, as the gaming floors typically aren’t separated by physical walls. 

Murphy Dig?

Murphy has for years claimed to be supportive of forcing the nine casinos to go smoke-free. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy temporarily halted casino smoking to slow the spread of the coronavirus. However, after the state’s emergency directive was lifted, smoking returned.

Murphy has repeatedly said in interviews that he can’t single-handedly end casino smoking and needs the New Jersey Legislature to send him a bill. Fulop seemingly took issue with Murphy’s inability to win over his Democratic colleagues, who control both chambers of the Legislature, to get on board with a smoking prohibition.

It’s not enough to say you’ll sign a bill if it reaches your desk. Leadership means helping to get that bill to your desk. I’ll fight to strengthen New Jersey’s Clean Air Act, reject half-measures like smoking rooms, and make sure casino workers get the same protections as everyone else,” Fulop declared.

Fulop has served as Jersey City mayor since July 2013. He was previously a Jersey City councilor.

Fulop Knows Business

Opponents to ending Atlantic City casino smoking — primarily, the casino resorts themselves — say such a change would lead to gaming revenue declines, reduced visitation, and job layoffs. The trade group representing the casinos cites a study conducted on its behalf that concluded a casino or two could close if cigarettes and cigars became prohibited.

Fulop could be equipped to counter the casino lobby’s claims, as he holds a Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He also has a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

Before entering politics, Fulop worked at the investment banking giant Goldman Sachs. He left his high-paying job to enter the United States Marine Corps. following the September 11 attacks.

Fulop is amid a crowded Democratic primary with US Reps. Miki Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, and former state Senate President Stephen Sweeney. On prediction market exchange Kalshi, Sherrill is the implied front-runner with odds suggesting a 70% chance of winning the primary. Fulop is next at 24%.