- A invoice to provoke a referendum to permit casinos in North Jersey has been filed
- The invoice seeks to permit casinos on the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks
- There can be a lot opposition to the on line casino growth push
A proposed constitutional modification in New Jersey to permit on line casino playing outdoors of Atlantic Metropolis has been filed within the Trenton capital.
The NJ Transit cease on the Meadowlands, a racetrack and sports activities advanced in northern New Jersey focused for a on line casino by way of state laws. Efforts to permit casinos outdoors of Atlantic Metropolis face lengthy odds. (Picture: Shutterstock)
Senate Concurrent Decision No. 130 (SCR130) was filed on Monday by state Sens. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen). The 2 Democrats signify counties the place they search to permit slot machines and desk video games.
SCR130, if handed by the New Jersey Legislature and accepted by voters by way of a statewide poll referendum, would permit the Monmouth Park and Meadowlands racetracks, which at present home sportsbooks, to hunt on line casino licenses from the state’s On line casino Management Fee.
“It shall be lawful for the Legislature to authorize, by legislation, the particular form, restrictions, and management of on line casino video games to be performed on the Meadowlands Racetrack and the Monmouth Park Racetrack and to license and tax such operations and tools utilized in connection therewith,” SCR130 reads.
The racetrack casinos could be taxed on the identical fee as gaming amenities in Atlantic Metropolis, however 45% of their gaming taxes could be allotted for owners’ property tax reductions. One other 20% could be reserved for particular schooling, 10% for the state’s pension system, 10% for cost-of-living changes for state workers, 10% to advertise tourism in Atlantic Metropolis, and 5% for horsemen.
By the tip of the yr, New York is anticipated to situation three casinos for the New York Metropolis area. Atlantic Metropolis is bracing for the impression, and SCR130 suggests some state lawmakers are frightened about diminished on line casino taxes.
Path to Legalization
Legislative-led constitutional referendums in New Jersey want a three-fifths majority assist in each chambers of the Legislature. Which means 24 votes within the Senate and 48 within the Meeting.
If such assist is realized in Trenton, the poll query would go earlier than voters throughout a statewide election the place solely a easy majority would amend the New Jersey Structure to permit casinos at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands.
SCR130 has been directed to the Senate State Authorities, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee for preliminary evaluation. The laws faces lengthy odds, as a lot lobbying opposition will come from the 9 casinos in Atlantic Metropolis and plenty of lawmakers and civic organizations within the communities the place the casinos are focused.
Atlantic County Democratic Chair Michael Suleiman wasted no time in opposing the on line casino decision.
The reply to New York’s casinos isn’t to unlock a floodgate for North Jersey on line casino proposals that cannibalize our personal market whereas doing little to steer guests away from New York. Sure, Atlantic Metropolis faces its challenges, nevertheless it stays distinctive — with its iconic seashores, vibrant Boardwalk, and established casinos — that units it aside from the Meadowlands or Monmouth Park,” Suleiman declared.
“Ten years in the past, 4 casinos closed, and Atlantic County ranked primary within the nation for foreclosures. Permitting casinos in North Jersey might result in one other 4 closures, devastating our regional economic system and shedding 1000’s of staff. This isn’t a partisan situation — it’s a private one for everybody who cares about New Jersey’s future. This constitutional modification must be thrown within the trash the place it belongs,” Suleiman added.
Arduous Rock Beforehand Supportive
Arduous Rock Worldwide was previously partnered with Jeff Gural and his Meadowlands Racetrack when lawmakers sought to permit casinos in North Jersey in 2015. Since then, Arduous Rock has invested virtually a billion {dollars} in Atlantic Metropolis and is now in search of one of many three downstate on line casino licenses in New York with billionaire Steve Cohen at his Citi Subject MLB ballpark.
Whether or not Arduous Rock would return its curiosity in North Jersey isn’t recognized. Nevertheless, with 9 bids being prepped for the three downstate NYC on line casino alternatives, North Jersey might be the following smartest thing for the bidders who lose throughout the Hudson.
