Is Rivers Casino Smoke Free
Nothing kills a hot streak faster than eyes stinging from secondhand smoke. For players who value clean air, walking onto a casino floor can feel like stepping into a foggy bar from the 1990s. You might be planning a trip to a Rivers Casino property and wondering if you’ll need to hold your breath between slot spins. The short answer isn't a simple yes or no—it depends entirely on which Rivers Casino you are visiting. The brand has properties in multiple states, and each one follows different local laws regarding indoor smoking.
Breaking Down the Smoking Policies by Location
Rivers Casino operates several properties across the US, and the smoking rules change as soon as you cross state lines. In Pennsylvania, the situation is different than in Illinois or New York. Here is how it shakes out for the main properties.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
In Pennsylvania, the Clean Indoor Air Act generally prohibits smoking in public places, but it carved out a massive exception for gaming floors. Because of this, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and Rivers Casino Philadelphia generally allow smoking in designated areas on the casino floor. However, they are not total free-for-alls. You will typically find non-smoking sections designated for slots and table games. If you are sensitive to smoke, these sections are usually separated, but since they are often on the same open floor plan, the smell can drift. It is a compromise that keeps smokers happy but might leave non-smokers wanting more separation.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines (Chicago Area)
If you are heading to the Chicago area, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is a breath of fresh air—literally. Illinois has some of the strictest smoking laws in the country. The Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking in all public places, places of employment, and within 15 feet of any entrance. Unlike Pennsylvania, Illinois did not grant a special exemption for casino gaming floors. This means that at Rivers Casino Des Plaines, the entire indoor facility is non-smoking. You cannot light up at the slot machines or the blackjack tables. If you need to smoke, you have to step outside.
Rivers Casino Schenectady (New York)
New York follows a similar path to Illinois regarding clean air. The state’s Clean Indoor Air Act bans smoking in almost all workplaces and public spaces, which includes commercial casinos. At Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, smoking is not permitted on the gaming floor. This creates a much more comfortable environment for non-smokers who want to focus on the games without dealing with haze. However, like most casinos, they provide designated outdoor areas for smokers.
The Non-Smoking Gaming Experience
Why does this matter so much to players? For years, casinos have argued that smoking bans hurt revenue, claiming that gamblers want to smoke and drink while they play. However, the data from places like Illinois suggests otherwise. Many players actually prefer a smoke-free environment. It allows for longer playing sessions without feeling physically drained, and it eliminates the need to wash your clothes the second you get home.
Game Availability in Non-Smoking Sections
At properties like Rivers Pittsburgh where smoking is permitted in certain zones, the non-smoking sections can sometimes feel like the "kids' table" at Thanksgiving—smaller and with fewer options. Historically, casinos packed the best high-limit slots and newest table games into the smoking areas. That dynamic is shifting. As public health awareness grows, casinos are allocating more premium real estate to non-smoking areas. You can typically find a solid mix of progressive slots and electronic table games in the clean air zones now, though you should check the specific floor map upon arrival.
Vaping and E-Cigarettes: The Gray Area
Don't make the mistake of thinking a vape pen is treated differently than a cigarette. Most casino policies treat e-cigarettes and vaping devices exactly the same as traditional tobacco. At Rivers Casino Des Plaines and Schenectady, vaping is banned indoors just like cigarettes. In Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, where smoking is allowed in designated spots, vaping is usually restricted to those same areas. Attempting to vape at a non-smoking table will likely get you a swift tap on the shoulder from security. It is best to assume the rules are identical for both unless explicitly stated otherwise by staff.
Comparing Rivers Casino Locations
To help you plan your visit, here is a quick comparison of the smoking policies and key details for the main Rivers Casino properties.
| Location | Indoor Smoking Policy | Non-Smoking Options | State Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Pittsburgh (PA) | Allowed in designated zones | Designated non-smoking slots/tables | Partial ban (exemptions for casinos) |
| Rivers Casino Philadelphia (PA) | Allowed in designated zones | Designated non-smoking area | Partial ban (exemptions for casinos) |
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines (IL) | Strictly prohibited | Entire floor is non-smoking | Full ban (no casino exemption) |
| Rivers Casino Schenectady (NY) | Strictly prohibited | Entire floor is non-smoking | Full ban (no casino exemption) |
Alternatives for Online Play in Smoke-Free Comfort
If you are in Pennsylvania or New York and want to avoid the smoke entirely without traveling to Illinois, you have excellent legal alternatives. Both states have legalized online casino gaming, allowing you to play from your own couch where you control the air quality.
In Pennsylvania, platforms like BetMGM, DraftKings Casino, and FanDuel Casino offer the same slots and table games you would find on the Rivers floor, but with zero haze. You can claim a welcome bonus like a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 (subject to 15x wagering requirements on most sites) and play in a completely clean environment. Similarly, in New York, while online casino gaming is still in legislative limbo, social casinos and sweepstakes models offer a way to enjoy slots without stepping onto a smoky floor. For players in Illinois, online sports betting is legal, though online casino gaming remains off the table for now.
FAQ
Can I smoke in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh?
Yes, but only in designated smoking areas on the gaming floor. There is a dedicated non-smoking section, but because they are often on the same floor, you might still notice some smoke drift. Table games generally allow smoking unless specified otherwise.
Is Rivers Casino in Illinois completely non-smoking?
Yes. Due to the Smoke-Free Illinois Act, smoking is prohibited everywhere inside the building, including the gaming floor, bars, and restaurants. You must go outside to smoke.
Are there non-smoking table games at Rivers Casino?
This depends on the location. In Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, there are designated pits for non-smoking table games, but the selection might be smaller than the main floor. In Des Plaines and Schenectady, all table games are non-smoking by law.
Can I vape inside Rivers Casino properties?
No. Vaping and e-cigarettes are typically treated the same as traditional cigarettes under casino policy and state law. You must use vaping devices only in areas where cigarette smoking is permitted.
Does Rivers Casino have a poker room and is it smoke free?
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh has a poker room, and policies can vary, but poker rooms in Pennsylvania casinos often restrict smoking. In Illinois and New York, poker rooms are non-smoking just like the rest of the casino floor. Always check with the specific poker room staff before sitting down.