Is Rivers Casino Smoke Free
You're planning a trip to Rivers Casino, maybe in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Des Plaines, but you're dreading the idea of coming home reeking of stale cigarettes. You want to focus on the slots, the poker tables, or a nice dinner, not on trying to breathe through a cloud of smoke. So, what's the real deal with smoking at Rivers Casino properties? Let's clear the air, literally.
Rivers Casino Smoking Policies by Location
Rivers Casino operates in several states, and smoking rules are dictated by local and state laws, not by a single corporate policy. This means your experience will vary dramatically depending on which Rivers you visit. Most players are surprised to learn there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh & Philadelphia
In Pennsylvania, the Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in most public places, but casinos secured a major exemption. At Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino Philadelphia, smoking is permitted on the gaming floor. However, it's not a free-for-all. Designated non-smoking areas are provided, and the entire non-gaming areas—like restaurants, the sportsbook lounge, and hotel lobbies—are smoke-free. The ventilation systems are powerful, but on a busy night, the smell can permeate. If you're highly sensitive, stick to the marked non-smoking sections or visit during off-peak hours.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines (Chicago)
Illinois has stricter laws. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act bans smoking in all public indoor spaces, with very few exceptions. Rivers Casino Des Plaines is completely non-smoking indoors. For smokers, the casino provides accessible, heated outdoor patios or designated areas where you can light up without having to leave the property entirely. This makes it a top choice for players who prioritize a clean-air environment.
Rivers Casino Schenectady
New York's state law also mandates smoke-free indoor public spaces. Accordingly, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady is 100% smoke-free inside the building. Similar to Illinois, they offer designated outdoor smoking areas. This policy extends to the entire resort, including the hotel, event center, and all dining venues.
What to Expect on the Gaming Floor
If you're heading to a Rivers property where smoking is allowed on the floor, preparation helps. The casinos use advanced air filtration systems that exchange the air every few minutes. You'll likely notice air curtains or localized ventilation near table games. Slot machines in non-smoking sections are often grouped together and may be in a slightly separate area or clearly marked with signage. Table games like blackjack and roulette might have specific non-smoking tables, especially during busier times. It's always worth asking a floor attendant to direct you to the non-smoking pits.
The Sportsbook Experience
The sportsbook lounges at Rivers Casinos are typically treated as premium dining/entertainment spaces. As such, they are almost universally non-smoking, even in Pennsylvania locations. You can place your bets, watch the games on massive screens, and enjoy food and drinks without smoke interference. This is a consistent perk across the brand.
Hotel and Dining Venues
Across all locations, you can breathe easy once you step off the casino floor. All hotel rooms, corridors, spas, and indoor pools are non-smoking (with significant cleaning fees for violators). Every restaurant, from the quick-service food court to high-end steakhouses like Andrew's Steak & Seafood at Rivers Pittsburgh, maintains a smoke-free environment. Bars that are physically separate from the gaming floor are also non-smoking.
Comparing to Other Regional Casinos
How does Rivers stack up? In Pennsylvania, their policy is standard; competitors like Parx Casino and Live! Casino Philadelphia also allow smoking on the gaming floor. In the Chicago area, Rivers Des Plaines' full ban aligns with most other Illinois casinos, though some may have more lenient outdoor setups. In the Northeast, the full indoor ban at Rivers Schenectady is common, putting it on par with New York competitors like Resorts World Catskills. The key differentiator for Rivers is the quality of their non-smoking sections and outdoor smoking amenities, which are generally well-maintained and convenient.
Tips for Non-Smoking Players
1. Call Ahead: Policies can have minor adjustments. A quick call to guest services at your specific Rivers location confirms the current layout of non-smoking areas.
2. Visit on Weekdays: Less crowd density means better air circulation and a more comfortable experience in mixed-policy casinos.
3. Layer Up: Wear a jacket or outer layer you can leave in your car or coat check. It won't absorb odors as much as a sweater.
4. Use Player Services: If the ventilation in your area seems poor, don't hesitate to mention it to a host or floor manager. They can often reseat you or adjust local airflow.
The Future of Casino Smoking Bans
The trend is moving toward smoke-free environments. Public health pressure and the preferences of a younger demographic are pushing legislatures to reconsider exemptions for casinos. Several states have recently closed loopholes. While a nationwide change for existing Rivers properties isn't imminent, any new Rivers Casino built in the future would likely be designed as fully non-smoking from the ground up, following the model of their Illinois and New York locations.
FAQ
Can you smoke at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh?
Yes, smoking is permitted on the main gaming floor at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh due to Pennsylvania's exemption for casinos. However, there are designated non-smoking slot areas and all restaurants, bars, and the sportsbook lounge are completely smoke-free.
Is Rivers Casino in Philadelphia smoke-free?
No, it is not completely smoke-free. Similar to the Pittsburgh location, Rivers Casino Philadelphia allows smoking on the casino floor. They have non-smoking sections for slots and table games, but the air is mixed. For a fully smoke-free indoor experience in the Rivers family, you need to visit their properties in Illinois or New York.
Does Rivers Casino in Chicago have a smoking section?
Rivers Casino Des Plaines (Chicago) does not have indoor smoking sections. Illinois law prohibits it. They do provide comfortable, heated outdoor patios specifically designated for smokers, so you don't have to go far for a cigarette break.
Are all Rivers Casino restaurants non-smoking?
Yes, absolutely. Across every single Rivers Casino location—regardless of state smoking policies—all indoor dining venues, from casual cafes to fine dining, are 100% non-smoking. This is a consistent standard for the brand.
What's the penalty for smoking in a Rivers Casino hotel room?
The penalty is a substantial cleaning fee, typically ranging from $250 to $500. This fee is charged to your credit card on file to cover the deep cleaning required to remove smoke odor and residue from curtains, carpets, and bedding, as all hotel rooms are strictly non-smoking.