New Jersey lawmakers voted on Monday in favor of a proposed legislation for the expansion of casino gaming outside Atlantic City. It is now up to voters to decide whether two new casinos will be built in the northern part of the state. They will have their chance to state their opinion on the matter at the November ballot.
The New Jersey Senate passed the proposed constitutional amendment 34-6. The bill was also passed 54-16 by Assembly members. More than three-fifths of all state legislators had to vote in favor of the measure in order for a question on the matter to be put on the November ballot.
As for the question itself, New Jersey residents will be asked whether they support the launch of two full-scale casino complexes in the northern part of the state. The full text of the question reads:
“Do you approve amending the Constitution to permit casino gambling in two additional counties in this State? At present, casino gambling is allowed only in Atlantic City in Atlantic County. Only one casino in each of the two counties would be permitted. Each casino is to be located in a town that is at least 72 miles from Atlantic City. The amendment would allow certain persons to apply first for a casino license.”
If voters approve the proposed casino expansion outside Atlantic City, state legislators will amend the current gambling laws so that these allow the establishment of two casinos in two different North Jersey counties. Each of the venues will have to be located at least 72 miles north of Atlantic City.
Licenses for the casinos would first be offered to operators that already provide their services in the gambling resort. Licensees will need to invest no less than $1 billion in the development of each of the two gaming facilities.
Plans for the new casinos have already emerged, with businessmen Jeff Gural and Paul Fireman being among those interested to invest in the construction of such venues. Although the two investors do not operate in Atlantic City they will be able to work with existing operators.
A certain share of the money the two new venues would generate, once operational, would be used to boost Atlantic City’s ailing economy. Under the proposed legislation, the money would not be used for gaming development. The actual tax rate would be determined by legislators after the November vote, if voters approve the expansion.
Talks about the launch of gambling venues outside Atlantic City first emerged years ago. The proposed expansion has always met both strong support and staunch opposition. Understandably, Atlantic City officials are not keen on having the once-popular gambling resort’s monopoly ended. According to them, this may result in further casino closures, after the city saw four of its twelve gambling venues shut down operations back in 2014.
Supporters of the proposed expansion, however, have repeatedly pointed out that it would prevent the state from losing customers to casinos in neighboring states. In addition, two new gambling venues would bring much-needed tax revenue that would be used for various programs as well as property tax relief for disabled and senior citizens.
Casino gambling was first introduced in the state in 1976, when residents voted in favor of a proposal calling for Atlantic City being given casino industry monopoly on the East Coast.
