- New Jersey lawmakers will contemplate numerous payments associated to gaming in 2026
- Maybe most important is whether or not a on line casino shall be licensed for North Jersey
- On line casino smoking discussions are additionally doubtless
The New Jersey Legislature started its 2026 session this week with a brand new Normal Meeting make-up after Democrats strengthened their stronghold on the decrease home final November by flipping 5 seats blue.
New Jersey lawmakers will contemplate an array of payments this yr that may significantly alter the state’s gaming panorama. Proposals embody ending on line casino smoking and permitting a on line casino in North Jersey. (Picture: Shutterstock)
Together with incoming Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) and the party-controlled Senate, Democrats hope to perform a sequence of legislative targets this yr. The New Jersey Legislature’s 2026 session runs by means of December 31.
Gaming will as soon as once more be a serious legislative speaking level. With New York signing off on three downstate New York casinos, with one within the Bronx and two in Queens, New Jersey lawmakers will decide if the state can be good to develop on line casino playing exterior of Atlantic Metropolis.
Two resolutions, Senate Concurrent Resolutions 31 and 66, search to provoke a statewide referendum asking voters to amend the New Jersey Structure to permit slot machine playing at horse racetracks. The objective of the statutes is to carry a on line casino to the Meadowlands in North Jersey, with the considering {that a} on line casino there would maintain essential gaming tax cash within the Backyard State as a substitute of it flowing into neighboring New York as soon as Bally’s, Arduous Rock, and Resorts World open their full-scale casinos.
Smoking Payments
Together with the North Jersey on line casino resolutions, two payments have been filed to remove on line casino smoking. The 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act included exemptions for slot machine and simulcast wagering services.
Senate Invoice 1500 and 698, each sponsored by Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester), would amend the state tobacco regulation to require casinos, racetracks, and off-track betting parlors to keep up smoke-free indoor environments. The on line casino foyer down the shore opposes a smoking ban on claims that it might push some gamers away and pressure the resorts to put off staff.
Sherrill has expressed assist for making Atlantic Metropolis smoke-free. Sherrill has rebuked the trade’s claims that smoking bans are dangerous for enterprise. The governor-elect believes smoking bans would possibly really be good for the casinos, as youthful persons are smoking at charges far beneath these of their elders.
Youthful individuals don’t smoke cigarettes. In case you’re taking a look at youthful individuals and the longer term, it looks as if a bizarre struggle to have,” Sherrill stated final Might about casinos’ hostility of a smoking ban.
Sherrill takes workplace on January 20.
Sweepstakes Casinos
New Jersey lawmakers may also contemplate whether or not to cross a regulation authorizing sweepstakes casinos. Senate Invoice 1500 from Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union) would qualify dual-currency on-line sweepstakes casinos as a type of web playing regulated by the state’s iGaming regulation.
Final yr, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed laws banning the unauthorized operation of sweepstakes casinos.
If handed, SB1500 would permit sweepstakes casinos to pursue the suitable license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, as long as they adhere to the suitable laws and direct 19.75% of their gross income to the state.
