In 2022, casino workers’ determined campaign ended decades of indoor smoking exemptions in gaming areas at venues across Australia. Their collective action knocked over long-standing loopholes that had forced workers to breathe second-hand smoke, marking a major victory for workplace safety.
In a significant win for health and safety, United Workers Union casino members achieved the removal of indoor smoking in gaming areas across Australia. This victory followed a sustained campaign by casino workers and the union, highlighting the dangers of second-hand smoke exposure in the workplace. Previously, casinos were among the few venues where indoor smoking was allowed, due to legacy exemptions that prioritised customer convenience over worker health. Through collective action and advocacy, members pressured major casino operators, including Crown and The Star, to commit to smoke-free gaming floors, protecting over a thousand casino workers from harmful chemicals. This win marks a crucial step towards safer and healthier conditions in an industry where exposure to toxic smoke had been the norm for decades.