They’re smoking again in Pennsylvania casinos after a temporary ban during the pandemic left them smoke-free for about a year.

When the state’s mask mandate lifted June 28, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which oversees casinos, allowed the gaming sites to once again permit its guests to smoke. The temporary smoking ban was implemented June 9, 2020, as an effort to curb the spread of covid-19.

James Gould of Ross, a frequent patron of Rivers Casino, said he was glad to be able to smoke inside the casino again.

“People want to smoke,” he said as he smoked a cigarette outside the casino’s main entrance Monday.

Under Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act, casinos are permitted to allow smoking — something most commercial businesses in the commonwealth can’t do — with certain regulations. The space that permits smoking can’t exceed 50% of the gaming floor, and there cannot be smoking indoors in any other part of the facility, said Doug Harbach, communications director for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

“The PGCB cannot mandate a smoking ban unless there is a safety reason,” he said. “Any change to the allowance of smoking in PA casinos would have to be accomplished through the Legislature in altering the Clean Indoor Air Act.”

Irene Petrovich of Brookline said she finds it “enjoyable” to smoke at Rivers Casino. She said lifting the ban on smoking inside casinos was “fabulous.”

Petrovich said she still patronized the casino weekly when smoking inside was prohibited. But she said she didn’t smoke as much when she had to go outside to have a cigarette.

Amanda Bennett of Pittsburgh’s North Side said she, too, prefers to smoke inside the casino.

“I like it because I’m a smoker,” she said of Rivers Casino once again allowing indoor smoking. “It’s more convenient.”

At Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield, smoking is now permitted on 25% of the casino floor, said spokesman Doug Haniford.

“While smoking will be restricted to certain areas, the comfort and well being of our guests throughout the entire property is of utmost importance,” Haniford said.

He said the casino at Westmoreland Mall installed a new heating, ventilation and cooling system and has a hearty air purification system to break down cigarette smoke odors.

“By limiting the areas where smoking is permitted and utilizing a state-of-the-art air purification system, we feel confident we are providing an enjoyable experience for all guests,” Haniford said.

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