According to the latest information, a question about the recently announced proposal for the construction of casinos outside Atlantic City is not likely to be included in this November’s ballot.
The bill, which is sponsored by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, calls for the establishment of up to three new casinos in Hudson, Essex, and Bergen Counties in North Jersey. If approved, it would end Atlantic City’s four-decade monopoly on the state’s gambling industry.
Once officially introduced, a public hearing on the bill could not be organized for the next 20 days. Furthermore, it would need to be voted in favor of by 60% of the New Jersey Senate and Assembly representatives. And this needs to happen before August 3. However, the state Legislature has already concluded its work for the summer. In other words, a November referendum on the proposal is not likely to take place.
Supporters of the potential expansion of the state gambling industry said they were disappointed with this turn of the events, as new casinos would contribute millions of dollars to the state and would create thousands of jobs.
Although it seems that the chances for a question on the bill to be included in the November ballot are quite scant, top legislators have not confirmed this yet.
A spokesperson for Senate President Steve Sweeney has not commented on the matter. Yet, Mr. Sweeney has previously pointed out that he supports the launch of casinos outside Atlantic City but he called for lawmakers to wait for another year. The official pointed out that building a consensus among legislators and gathering voters’ support is what should be done first in order for the bill to be passed.
Last month, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said that he favors the gambling expansion and a statewide referendum on the matter, but only if a share of the new venues’ tax proceeds goes to Atlantic City to help its struggling economy.
The seaside casino resort has been losing visitors to gambling venues in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York and has seen four of its properties closed down in 2014.
Opponents of Assemblyman Caputo’s bill fear that new casinos in North Jersey would have a devastating effect on Atlantic City. Assemblyman Chris Brown, who represents the gambling hub and the surrounding area, commented that he would continue fighting the launch of gambling venues in the northern part of the state, as they “are not inevitable.”
Last month, New York businessman Jeff Gural and casino operator Hard Rock International announced plans for the addition of a $1-billion casino to the existing Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. Furthermore, former Reebok CEO proposed the construction of a $4-billion integrated resort in Jersey City.
The city of Newark is currently seeking an operator for its potential gambling venue. Ocean County has also expressed interest in hosting a casino.
