Work in an area where smoking is not permitted. “All of a sudden there’s a small group that feels like it’s not good for their health,” Ruggerio said.

In June, Ruggerio said that casino employees who complained about cigarette and cigar smoke “took those jobs knowing” there was smoking. It’s not the first time that the Senate president has expressed fairly strong opposition to casino employees who want a workplace with clean air. If it (smoking) bothers you, you can stay home and play,” Ruggerio said during an interview with The Boston Globe. If you have iGaming, you can stay at home. Dan McKee (D) passed a bill this year authorizing online slots and table games, players who don’t like the smell of smoke can stay home, according to Ruggerio. With iGaming set to begin in April after the state legislature and Gov. Ruggerio believes smoke-free casinos would cost the state tax dollars because many gamblers enjoy smoking. Ruggerio is not a fan of stopping smoking at the state’s two casinos. Rhode Island Senate President Dominic Ruggerio speaks at the Bally’s Twin River Lincoln rebranding event in September 2021.

That’s probably why he’s siding with smokers as the state considers whether to stop tobacco use indoors at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln and Bally’s Tiverton.

Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggerio (D-North Providence) is known for being into fags.