New Jersey firearms enthusiasts recently received some positive news when the state lifted a rule banning the carrying of guns in casinos. However, this does not mean that customers can simply walk in armed, as casinos will still prohibit visitors from carrying weapons.
New Jersey is currently a “battleground” of ideals where pro-gun and anti-gun supporters have clashed over the risks and rewards of gun ownership. Recently, however, pro-gun activists got a head start when a judge lifted a ban on guns in casinos, among other places.
Anti-gun lawmakers were trying to propose a new bill that would impose certain limits on where people can carry guns. The focus was on prevention in parks and other public areas.
But, pro-gun lawmakers quickly deemed the aforementioned restrictions unconstitutional and overturned them. The judge, Renée Marie Bumb, restricted the bill and barred the state from banning concealed transportation in certain public places. While firearms remain prohibited in hospitals, airports, zoos, playgrounds and youth sporting events, they are now permitted in vehicles, museums, libraries and other recreational facilities.
As a result, carrying a gun in Atlantic City casinos is technically not illegal. However, in practice, things are not that simple.
Casinos can still ban firearms
As announced by Mark Giannantonio, President of the Casino Association of New Jersey, casinos will exercise their right as private owners to ban firearms on their premises. In a statement, Giannantonio said all of this is to protect the safety and well-being of guests.
“Considering the court order temporarily restricting the enforcement of state law prohibiting the carrying of concealed firearms in public places, including casinos, all Atlantic City casinos are exercising their rights, as private owners, to prohibit the carrying in their facilities,” said Giannantonio.
The New Jersey Monitor later reported that the association’s decision offended the pro-gun community. New Jersey Association of Rifles and Pistols Clubs President Scott Bach said not allowing patrons to defend themselves violates their rights.
“If casinos don’t provide their own armed security, they better have good liability insurance,” Bach said.
Meanwhile, customers and policymakers at Atlantic City casinos continue to debate the future of smoking on their premises. Anti-smoking activists argue that permitting smoking endangers the health and well-being of casino workers and patrons.
