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Lev L. Mandel, MSc, Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, UCSF, 530 Parnassus Ave. Suite 366, San Francisco, CA 94143, 415-514-9341, lev@itsa.ucsf.edu, Jennifer K. Ibrahim, PhD, Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education, University of California, San Francisco, 530 Parnassus Ave. Suite 366, San Francisco, CA 94143-1390, and Stanton A. Glantz, PhD, University of California, San Francisco, Center for Tobacco Control Research & Education, 530 Parnassus Ave., Suite 366, San Francisco, CA 94143-1390.
Objective: To describe tobacco control policymaking in Nevada in the context of the relationship between gaming and tobacco interests. Methods: Information on tobacco control policymaking was gathered through a review of internal tobacco industry documents, newspaper articles and reports, and interviews with key players including health advocates and elected officials. Results: The combination of the tobacco and gaming industry’s power in state level politics, and the tobacco industry's strategy to work through third party allies, has prevented local communities in Nevada from enacting smokefree policies. In 1995, the tobacco industry won the passage of state preemption of local tobacco control. As a result, public health advocates have worked, unsuccessfully, in the state legislature to remove preemption. In 2002, citizens of both Clark and Washoe counties showed strong support for smokefree environments where children are allowed (excluding casinos and bars) and for the repeal of preemption. However, various stakeholders of video gambling machines with ties to the tobacco industry have used their influence over state legislators to prevent health groups from establishing laws that create smokefree environments even in areas where children are permitted and repealing preemption. Conclusion: Gaming interests are a particularly powerful constituency in Nevada and the tobacco industry, who shares lobbyists with the gaming industry, has used this alliance to prevent the passage of meaningful tobacco control policies. Health advocates must recognize and reveal the ties of the tobacco industry with other politically powerful interest groups as well as to hold those allies accountable for their actions.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Tobacco Policy, Tobacco Industry
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.