The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: American Indian Tribes are sovereign nations and are not subject to state laws on indoor smoking. Some indigenous tribal governments and casino managers believe that restricting smoking in casinos would have a negative economic impact. The Advocacy Guide contains; AITEP's casino campaign history, fact sheet on American Indian Sovereignty, sample letters to Tribal Governments and Casino Management, survey instruments, media development and a summary report. The Advocacy Guide is a comprehensive model for surveying staff and guests' satisfaction; the results capture the economic impacts of Secondhand Smoke (SHS) policies.

Methods: AITEP's Advocacy Guide is supported by indigenous tribal governments/ health programs, casino managers, and California Department of Health Services. There is strong support among casino patrons and staff for improved SHS policies. In large urban casinos, more than 80% of patrons reported that they would play at least as often in smoke-free rooms, and more than 80% of the staff reported that they would prefer to work in a smoke-free environment.

Results: Thorough overview of the Advocacy Guide, perspectives shared from an American Indian lawyer, and the trials and tribulations of two additional casino campaigns, participants will be able to identify the best way to initiate and implement a smoke-free casino campaign. The summary report is an effective tool that can be shared with indigenous tribes/casino management, to serve as evidence of the economic feasibility of strengthening clean air policies.