Newark officials gathered on Wednesday to voice their opinion on the potential establishment of casino in New Jersey’s most populated city. The press conference was also attended by Mayor Ras Baraka and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo who pointed out that they are fully supportive of the idea.
During his speech, the city Mayor promised that he would do his best to bring a gambling venue in Newark, a statement that was met with a standing ovation from the rest of the attendees. According to Newark officials, a facility of this kind would contribute to the redevelopment of the city.
Britnee N. Timberlake, President of the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, commented that Newark is the perfect location not only for a casino but also for a hotel and convention center, due to the fact that it has an international airport in near proximity. She also pointed out that a casino complex would boost local economy and create new jobs for residents of the county.
Mr. DiVincenzo said during the Wednesday press conference that the county has already started discussions with certain casino developers on potential locations for the property.
Proponents of the idea also pointed out that the gambling venue would contribute millions of dollars to the state, which New Jersey residents might otherwise spend at casinos in neighboring states.
However, Newark and Essex County as a whole would have to overcome a number of hurdles before being able to launch a gambling venue.
In the first place, the state Legislature would need to approve a constitutional amendment that calls for a referendum on whether Bergen, Essex, and Hudson Counties should be allowed to open casinos on their territories. The measure was proposed by State Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) and would have to be passed before August 3 in order for the question to be included in this fall’s ballot.
Currently, Atlantic City is the only place in the state that has been authorized to provide gambling options. Opponents of Assemblyman Caputo’s proposal argued that the launch of casinos outside New Jersey’s gambling hub would have quite a negative effect on its struggling gambling industry and economy as a whole.
Assemblyman Caputo commented last week that his bill would contain language, under which the potential new casinos in Bergen, Hudson, and Essex would contribute a portion of their revenues to Atlantic City. He also noted that the legislation in question is yet to be drafted.
It seems that Newark might face tough competition in its attempt to attract prominent casino developers for its casino. Last week, Meadowlands Racetrack owner Jeff Gural and gambling operator Hard Rock International unveiled plans for the addition of a casino and entertainment complex at the East Rutherford property.
In addition, it became clear that businessman Paul Fireman had expressed interest in launching a large integrated casino resort in Jersey City. Ocean County officials are also among those who would like to see a gambling venue in their region.
