Ban N.J. casino smoking to help curb problem gambling | Letters

As a longtime casino worker and co-founder of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE), I want to thank state Sen. John McKeon, D-Essex, for calling attention to problem gambling addiction, in the recent op-ed ” N.J.’s gambling industry is a bonanza. Now let’s take care of its victims.”

One solution he overlooked in the article: closing the casino loophole from the state’s ban on smoking in indoor public places, and getting smoking off of gaming floors.

When smoking is allowed on gaming floors, it doesn’t just hurt our health — it encourages addictive behavior by keeping players at their seats longer and discouraging them from stepping outside. The National Council on Problem Gambling even told state lawmakers that “making casinos smoke free is likely to reduce the incidence of problem gambling and improve public health.”

But casino owners already know this. A consulting report from C3 Gaming shows that the operators worry about losing revenue when smokers take breaks, which can actually help players gamble more responsibly.

If we’re serious about tackling gambling addiction, we can’t leave this out of the conversation. Smoke-free policies would protect patrons and workers like me, promote responsible play, and show that New Jersey cares more about people than perceived profits. It’s time to take action and make casinos safer and healthier for everyone.

Pete Naccarelli , Sewell, co-founder, CEASE.

Editor’s note: CEASE was a co-plaintiff in a court action seeking an injunction to suspend the casino loophole, which was denied in September. Currently, casinos may devote up to 25% of their gambling space for smokers. Bills calling for a total ban or further restrictions are pending in the Legislature.

Media culture lets CEO-killer suspect become a hero

Rather than address the insanity of various media cheerleaders, mostly left-leaning ones, salivating over murder suspect Luigi Mangione, their perceived heroic warrior because he allegedly killed a heath insurance CEO, I think another aspect of this tragedy should be explored.

One would think the media would share interest in my question but, for whatever reason, no such media interest appears evident. The question: How is it that a random person in a McDonald’s two states west of the Manhattan crime scene recognized the alleged murderer there from published photos, but none of his actual family members or friends seemed to?

We have learned that Mangione comes from a wealthy and politically influential family. A skeptic may reasonably assume these facts, along with a leftist mentality, have contributed to the lack of media questioning about this.

Once again, we can infer from the rapidly dying and increasingly less-trusted media that no one is above the law, except the ones who are: the annointed ones favored, protected and admired by journalists, a group now largely unworthy of that once revered title.

Lou Manfredo, Deptford

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