Yes, Smoking is Allowed in Most Indian Casinos in California

Unlike most other indoor venues in California, smoking is permitted on the gaming floors of tribal casinos under tribal sovereignty rights. However, some of the largest resorts now offer non-smoking gaming areas due to changing customer demand.

Background on California Smoking Bans

California has some of the strictest statewide smoking bans in the U.S. The California Smoke-Free Workplace Law prohibits smoking in virtually all enclosed workplaces, including:

• Restaurants and bars
• Retail stores
• Recreational and cultural facilities
• Hotels and motels

There are very few exemptions outside of private residences and a handful of specially designated lounges and cigar bars.

However, these bans do not apply on tribal lands. Under tribal sovereignty upheld by federal law, native tribes have the right to self-governance and can make their own rules regarding casino smoking.

This explains why casinos have remained one of the last public indoor venues in CA where smoking is still permitted, just as it was years ago before widespread smoking bans.

Most Allow Smoking, But Some Offer Non-Smoking Sections

As a passionate casino-goer myself, I‘ve noticed different approaches to smoking policies emerging:

1. Most tribal casinos still allow smoking everywhere, following the old days of Vegas where gamblers could light up freely indoors.
2. But a growing minority now offer separate non-smoking gaming sections due to changing customer preferences. This appeals to non-smokers while still catering to traditional smoking gamblers.
3. And a few casinos have banned smoking entirely, like Pechanga which went 100% smoke-free in 2021.

So while the majority still permit smoking, smoke-free options are increasing in California tribal casinos.

Smoking Ban Impacts on Casino Business

What happens to casino revenue and traffic when smoking is restricted? Studies suggest there is little negative impact:

• According to a Stanford study, banning smoking had no effect on tribal casino revenue or traffic in California. Most patrons simply got used to the changes over time.
• Research in other states reached similar conclusions – smoking bans did not negatively impact non-tribal casino business revenue long-term.

This research aligns with my personal observations as an avid casino gambler. The tribal casino smoking bans introduced in recent years have not stopped me or most other patrons from returning.

While a small number of smoking gamblers may initially go elsewhere, the majority adapt to the changes. And many non-smokers actually prefer visiting casinos with reduced or banned smoking.

Smoking Policies at Major California Tribal Casinos

Here is a summary of smoking policies at some of California‘s most popular tribal casino resorts as of 2023:

Full smoking policies for individual casinos should be confirmed on casino websites before visiting

As you can see, options range from completely smoke-free environments to more traditional policies allowing smoking everywhere. But even traditionally heavy smoking establishments like Sycuan now cater to non-smokers.

Perspective of a Passionate Casino Gamer

As someone who enjoys casino gaming as my #1 hobby, I welcome these updated smoking policies. I‘ve never been a smoker myself, so I avoid hours of secondhand smoke exposure with casinos offering non-smoking sections or bans.

At the same time, I understand why some traditional gamblers prefer to smoke while playing games like poker and slots. And employees in the casino industry are also more likely to be smokers.

So striking the right balance is key – accommodating both preferences rather than just imposing blanket smoking bans. The market-driven emergence of non-smoking casino gaming areas is a reasonable compromise, in my view.

I‘m glad I can now enjoy my favorite slots and table games in California without inhaling clouds of smoke everywhere from other players. But there will always be a place for old-school smokers-friendly establishments too. The increasing options make both sides happy!

The Bottom Line

In summary, gambling enthusiasts don‘t have to avoid California tribal casinos entirely due to smoking. While most gaming floors still permit smoking, smoke-free spaces are on the rise.

So non-smokers can now find slots, poker, blackjack, and their game of choice in comfortable non-smoking sections or casinos. Yet traditional smoky casino environments also remain for those who prefer them.

I hope this guide provides useful context around the evolving casino smoking policies in my home state of California! Feel free to reach out with any other casino-related topics you‘d like my insider perspective on.