New Jersey legislators have introduced two new resolutions that could change the state’s gambling landscape. Senate Concurrent Resolutions 31 and 66 propose asking voters whether they support the introduction of slot machines at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. If approved, this would be the first time casino gaming extends beyond Atlantic City’s established boundaries.
A Push for Northern Expansion Amid New York’s Growth
The debate over expanding casino gaming in New Jersey is driven, in part, by the growing competition across the Hudson River. New York recently awarded three new casino licenses, with Bally’s securing a license for Ferry Point, Hard Rock gaining a foothold in Queens, and Resorts World NYC expanding its current operations. All three locations are situated near New Jersey’s northern border, increasing the pressure for the state to respond with its own gaming expansion to maintain its competitive edge.
State Senator Paul Sarlo has outlined his vision for the Meadowlands, envisioning the site as a key part of New Jersey’s post-2026 FIFA World Cup plans. He proposes not just a casino, but a convention center that would also host events at MetLife Stadium, which is adjacent to the racetrack and will be a venue for the World Cup. In this vision, Monmouth Park racetrack could also play a role in the broader transformation of the region into a year-round entertainment hub.
However, this expansion isn’t as simple as approving a new casino. New Jersey’s state constitution would need to be amended to allow for casinos outside Atlantic City. This requires lawmakers to pass the proposed amendment with either a supermajority vote or simple majorities in two consecutive legislative sessions. If successful, the measure could appear on the November 2026 ballot, giving voters the final say on the issue.
The legislative process is on a tight timeline. As WMTR AM reports, lawmakers would need to approve the constitutional amendment by June to have the issue ready for the November 2026 vote. This deadline is rapidly approaching, and the clock is ticking as state officials and casino owners look for clarity on the future of casino gaming in northern New Jersey.
Lessons from 2016 and Economic Concerns
This is not the first time New Jersey has considered expanding casinos beyond Atlantic City. A similar proposal was put to voters in 2016 but was rejected. The previous proposal was criticized for being too vague, leading to confusion about where new casinos might be located. This time around, proponents of the new resolutions are working to ensure the proposal is more focused, with a clear plan for Meadowlands and potentially Monmouth Park.
Despite the push for expansion, not everyone is on board with the plan. Some lawmakers remain concerned about the potential negative impact on Atlantic City’s existing casinos. There is ongoing debate within the industry about whether the new casino locations would draw customers away from Atlantic City, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the city’s casinos, which have been struggling in recent years.
Additionally, internal disputes persist over other contentious issues, such as whether smoking should be banned inside casinos. These unresolved matters highlight the ongoing tensions within New Jersey’s gambling industry as it seeks to balance growth with the protection of existing operations.
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