Since late 2014, smoking on the gaming floors of Macau casinos has been strictly forbidden, yet the ban has seemingly not been strictly enforced. The only exception for smoking in gaming venues is the VIP rooms and enclosed lounges. Since the time of the partial ban, smoking has been the subject of debate and a full ban considered. According to a new survey, it appears that a full ban is desired by casino most employees so that they can work in a smoke-free environment.

According to a report on Macau Business, 68.7% of those surveyed by Macau Gaming Enterprises Staff Association of the Federation of Trade Unions would like to see casinos in Macau smoke-free. 1,981 workers in the gaming industry of Macau were questioned for the survey with 29.4% showing support for smoking lounges while 61% noted casinos were in violation of smoking regulations.

Just over 61% of those surveyed reported they were unsatisfied with the performance of the government in regard to enforcing the smoking law. The government of Macau has been criticized and accused of bowing to pressure from casino operators to allow smoking to remain in the city’s gambling venues. In February, the government proposed amendments to a smoking bill that would allow smoking lounges to be created in Macau casinos.

The Health Bureau has stated that the amendments are in line with the results of a survey that was commissioned by gaming operators of Macau. This survey was conducted with more than 14,000 participants, all of which are involved in the gaming industry of Macau. The findings showed that around 55% of those surveyed were in favor of smoking lounges.