Newark, New Jersey’s largest city, has been added to the list of potential casino hosts, if state residents approve gambling expansion beyond Atlantic City in a November 8 vote.
Voters will be asked whether they approve constitution amendments that will allow for the establishment of two casinos in North Jersey. Two potential projects have previously been announced – one for the construction of an integrated resort at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and one for a casino in Jersey City.
Real estate firm the Berger Organization informed media earlier this week that it was interested in financing such an endeavor in Newark. Owner Miles Berger explained that their decision to undertake a casino project was based on the fact that Newark was the state’s largest city and had the necessary infrastructure to sustain such a development. According to the executive, a gambling venue in the city would certainly turn into an important boost to its economy.
If approved, the casino will be built on a land the Berger Organization owns right next to the former Newark Bears baseball stadium. The venue will likely be part of a multi-purpose complex that will also include a convention center, among other amenities.
The real estate firm has been discussing the project with interested gambling operators for some time now but no agreement has been reached yet. Mr. Berger said in an interview to local media that there was no need to rush, particularly given the fact that the casino expansion effort would likely fail to get the necessary support from New Jersey residents.
It was exactly four decades ago when state residents were asked to vote whether they approved casino gambling. Over the past forty years, casinos have only been allowed in Atlantic City. However, the once popular gambling hub has been struggling in recent years, seeing five of its twelve casinos close doors.
Proponents of the gambling expansion idea have pointed out that two new casinos in the state’s northern part may help New Jersey revive its gambling industry. With neighboring states expanding their casino sectors at fast pace, it has become a common practice for New Jersey residents to cross state borders and play at neighbors’ gambling venues. An approval of the casino expansion effort is expected to help the state keep much-needed gambling revenue within its borders.
However, opponents of the proposal have argued that casinos in North Jersey will be detrimental to Atlantic City’s existing gambling venues and may lead to further closures in future.
Although the casino expansion bill was seemingly welcomed very well at first, it did not manage to maintain its momentum. Recent polls have shown that the majority of eligible voters would cast a negative vote at the November 8 ballot.
