What Are the Smoking Rules in Las Vegas? (Hotels, Casinos, Rooms)

Key Highlights

Casino Floors: Generally allowed at slot machines and tables, except at Park MGM (100% smoke-free).
Hotel Rooms: Most are non-smoking. If you light up in a room not designated for it, expect a $500 to $1,000 cleaning fee.
The Marijuana Rule: Even though it’s legal to buy, it is strictly illegal to smoke cannabis in public, in casinos, or in hotel rooms.
Restaurants: Smoking is prohibited in almost all indoor dining areas across the city.

In a city where almost anything goes, the rules for lighting up can be surprisingly specific. If you’re a smoker (or someone who hates secondhand smoke), understanding the local landscape is the difference between a relaxing weekend and a $500 cleaning fee. While Las Vegas remains one of the last major U.S. hubs where you can still smoke inside a casino, the “smoke-free” movement is gaining serious ground.

We have spent years navigating the haze and the fresh air zones of the Strip, and we can tell you: the unwritten rules are just as important as the laws. From the “vape-friendly” corners to the strict “no-weed” policies, here is our honest, expert-led guide to Las Vegas smoking rules.

Smoking in Casinos: Where Can You Light Up?

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While the image of a smoky casino is a Vegas staple, the reality is much more regulated. Under the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking is permitted in “gaming areas” where loitering by minors is prohibited. This means you can typically smoke while you play, but there are major exceptions.

The Smoke-Free Casino Movement

The biggest shift in recent years is the rise of entirely non-smoking properties. Park MGM, along with its luxury sister hotel NoMad, is the only completely smoke-free resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Other casinos, like Wynn and Encore, have invested millions in state-of-the-art ventilation systems that pull smoke upward, making the air feel much fresher than the old-school gambling halls downtown.

Direct Answer: Most Las Vegas casinos allow smoking on the gaming floor but prohibit it in race and sportsbooks, restrooms, and near cashier cages. Park MGM remains the only 100% smoke-free casino on the Strip, offering a completely fresh-air environment for gamblers.

Designated “No-Smoking” Zones

Even in “smoking-friendly” casinos, you’ll find dedicated non-smoking sections. These are usually clusters of slot machines or specific poker rooms (nearly all poker rooms in Vegas are non-smoking). If you don’t see an ashtray, don’t light up—it’s the easiest way to avoid a tap on the shoulder from security.

Hotel Rooms: The Vanishing Smoking Room

Finding a hotel room where you can legally smoke is getting harder every year. Most major resorts have converted 90% to 100% of their rooms to non-smoking to appeal to modern travelers.

Caesars Entertainment: Properties like Caesars Palace, Flamingo, and Horseshoe still offer a limited number of “Smoking Optional” rooms, but you usually have to book them specifically at the time of reservation.
The “Terrace” Cheat Code: If you stay at The Cosmopolitan, booking a “Terrace” room allows you to smoke on your private outdoor balcony. This is a favorite move for locals who want a view with their cigarette.
The Penalty: If housekeeping smells smoke or finds ash in a non-smoking room, they will charge your credit card a deep cleaning fee. These fees typically start at $500 for standard rooms and can reach $1,000 for suites at luxury properties like Aria.

The Big “Green” Catch: Marijuana Rules

This is the number one thing that gets tourists in trouble. Marijuana is legal to purchase in Nevada, but it is illegal to consume it in any public place, including the Las Vegas Strip, sidewalks, and especially inside casinos or hotels.

Why the ban? Casinos operate under federal gaming licenses. Since marijuana is still illegal federally, casinos cannot allow it on their property without risking their entire business.
Cannabis Consumption Lounges: The safest way to consume is at a licensed lounge. These venues, like those near the Arts District, are specifically designed with high-end ventilation and odor control.
Rules of the Lounge: You cannot bring outside products, and alcohol is strictly prohibited on-site. Most lounges have a 50mg THC limit per session to ensure safety.

Summary & Final Helpful Tip

The Las Vegas smoking rules are shifting toward a cleaner environment. If you’re a smoker, your best bet is to stay at a Caesars property or The Cosmopolitan (for the balcony). If you hate smoke, Park MGM is your sanctuary.

Our Best Helpful Tip: If you’re a smoker who didn’t book a smoking room, don’t risk the fine. Most hotels have designated “Smoking Zones” near the valet or main entrance. It’s a 5-minute walk that could save you a $500 cleaning fee—money much better spent at the blackjack table!

❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Smoking Rules

Can I vape in Las Vegas casinos?

Yes. In most cases, the rules for vaping and e-cigarettes are identical to those for tobacco. If you can smoke a cigarette in that area, you can vape. However, “cloud-chasing” in crowded aisles is usually met with dirty looks from other players.

Is it okay to smoke on the Las Vegas Strip sidewalk?

Yes. You can smoke cigarettes and vapes while walking the Strip outdoors. Just be mindful of the crowds. Remember, smoking marijuana on the sidewalk remains a citable offense.

Do any restaurants allow smoking?

Generally, no. The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in all restaurants. Some age-restricted standalone bars that do not serve food may allow it, but 99% of dining experiences in Vegas will be smoke-free.

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