Proposed Constitutional Amendment in New Jersey Seeks Casino Expansion
A newly proposed constitutional amendment in New Jersey seeks to expand casino gaming beyond Atlantic City. It would specifically allow the establishment of casinos at two existing racetracks in the northern and central regions of the state.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The initiative, introduced by Sens. Paul Sarlo of Wood Ridge and Vin Gopal of Tinton Falls on May 12, aims to counter the expected opening of a casino in New York City. The legislation would pave the way for a statewide ballot question that would give voters the final say on whether to permit a casino at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and another at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.
Related: How New York's Casino Expansion is Shaking Up Atlantic CityThe lawmakers supporting the measure cited increasing competitive pressure from New York's anticipated casino expansion. With discussions ongoing regarding the siting of a gaming facility in Manhattan, New Jersey legislators have expressed concern over the potential loss of gambling revenue to the neighboring state. Sen. Sarlo emphasized that the proposed amendment serves as a strategic declaration, signaling New Jersey's preparedness to compete in the regional casino market should New York advance its plans.
The last time a similar measure appeared on the ballot in 2016, voters rejected it decisively. There was overwhelming reluctance to break Atlantic City's exclusive hold on casino gaming in the state.
For the amendment to proceed to the ballot in a single year, it would require approval by a three-fifths majority in both the State Assembly and Senate. Alternatively, the measure could advance with a simple majority vote in both chambers in two consecutive legislative sessions, after which it would be eligible for inclusion on the November ballot.
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The legislation does not specify a date for when the public vote might be held. However, the owner of the Meadowlands Racetrack, Jeffrey Gural, indicated a preference for pursuing the ballot measure in 2026. He suggested that the timing would be more favorable after the election of a new governor and once the precise location of a New York City casino becomes known.
Gural also expressed concern about including Monmouth Park in the proposal, arguing that the presence of two new casinos might dilute support. This could especially be the case among voters in southern New Jersey who could view a Central Jersey casino as a threat to Atlantic City's gaming industry.
Gural noted that residents may be more open to a casino in North Jersey, especially at the Meadowlands, which would primarily compete with gaming venues in New York rather than those in Atlantic City. He observed that public resistance to neighborhood casinos could pose a hurdle, and that limiting the proposal to one location might increase its chances of voter approval.
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