Casinos in North New Jersey? Resolution Filed to Allow Slots and Table Games Outside Atlantic City
Posted on: May 15, 2025, 09:55h.
Last updated on: May 15, 2025, 10:14h.
- A bill to initiate a referendum to allow casinos in North Jersey has been filed
- The bill seeks to allow casinos at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks
- There will be much opposition to the casino expansion push
A proposed constitutional amendment in New Jersey to allow casino gambling outside of Atlantic City has been filed in the Trenton capital.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 130 (SCR130) was filed on Monday by state Sens. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen). The two Democrats represent counties where they seek to allow slot machines and table games.
SCR130, if passed by the New Jersey Legislature and approved by voters through a statewide ballot referendum, would allow the Monmouth Park and Meadowlands racetracks, which currently house sportsbooks, to seek casino licenses from the state’s Casino Control Commission.
“It shall be lawful for the Legislature to authorize, by law, the specific kind, restrictions, and control of casino games to be conducted at the Meadowlands Racetrack and the Monmouth Park Racetrack and to license and tax such operations and equipment used in connection therewith,” SCR130 reads.
The racetrack casinos would be taxed at the same rate as gaming facilities in Atlantic City, but 45% of their gaming taxes would be allocated for homeowners’ property tax reductions. Another 20% would be reserved for special education, 10% for the state’s pension system, 10% for cost-of-living adjustments for state employees, 10% to promote tourism in Atlantic City, and 5% for horsemen.
By the end of the year, New York is expected to issue three casinos for the New York City region. Atlantic City is bracing for the impact, and SCR130 suggests some state lawmakers are worried about reduced casino taxes.
Path to Legalization
Legislative-led constitutional referendums in New Jersey need a three-fifths majority support in both chambers of the Legislature. That means 24 votes in the Senate and 48 in the Assembly.
If such support is realized in Trenton, the ballot question would go before voters during a statewide election where only a simple majority would amend the New Jersey Constitution to allow casinos at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands.
SCR130 has been directed to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee for initial review. The legislation faces long odds, as much lobbying opposition will come from the nine casinos in Atlantic City and many lawmakers and civic organizations in the communities where the casinos are targeted.
Atlantic County Democratic Chair Michael Suleiman wasted no time in opposing the casino resolution.
The answer to New York’s casinos isn’t to unlock a floodgate for North Jersey casino proposals that cannibalize our own market while doing little to steer visitors away from New York. Yes, Atlantic City faces its challenges, but it remains unique — with its iconic beaches, vibrant Boardwalk, and established casinos — that sets it apart from the Meadowlands or Monmouth Park,” Suleiman declared.
“Ten years ago, four casinos closed, and Atlantic County ranked number one in the nation for foreclosures. Allowing casinos in North Jersey could lead to another four closures, devastating our regional economy and laying off thousands of workers. This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a personal one for everyone who cares about New Jersey’s future. This constitutional amendment needs to be thrown in the trash where it belongs,” Suleiman added.
Hard Rock Previously Supportive
Hard Rock International was formerly partnered with Jeff Gural and his Meadowlands Racetrack when lawmakers sought to allow casinos in North Jersey in 2015. Since then, Hard Rock has invested almost a billion dollars in Atlantic City and is now seeking one of the three downstate casino licenses in New York with billionaire Steve Cohen at his Citi Field MLB ballpark.
Whether Hard Rock would return its interest in North Jersey isn’t known. However, with nine bids being prepped for the three downstate NYC casino opportunities, North Jersey could be the next best thing for the bidders who lose across the Hudson.
Last Comments ( 3 )
The answer is slot machines only! I think a state wide legalization of slot machines in licenced venues is the way to go. This allows Atlantic City to give the full on resort like experience, while smaller venues are a quick fix for gamblers in parts of the state far from AC, to escape life for an hour or two, without driving for hours. In particular, NJ has been losing slot machine revenue to NY racetracks, Yonkers, as well as others for years from north Jersey residences, who don't want to drive 2 plus hours to play slots for a few hours. The licences could be offered to the casinos to compensate for their loses. This should have been done years ago.
People will recall the last attempt to expand casino gambling outside Atlantic City failed miserably with voters despite being predicted to win by a huge majority. With the popularity of online gambling, it's even less likely to pass this time around. Hard to believe Democrats are wasting their time and the public's on this losing proposition.
not a chance in hell!