The majority of people seem to oppose expanding Atlantic City casinos into other parts of New Jersey.
According to a Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, 50% of voters do not want to see the expansion of casino operations to other areas, such as the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park, while 44% support it.
This split reflects a long-standing debate in the state, highlighting concerns and ambitions tied to potential expansion.
“People made up their minds about casino expansion a long time ago,” said Dan Cassino, a Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Executive Director of the FDU Poll. “Unless something dramatic happens, putting the issue in front of voters is going to lead to the same outcome as it did before.”
State lawmakers are also trying to decide if Atlantic City casinos should go smoke-free.
What Did the Fairleigh Dickinson Poll Find?
The latest poll results are strikingly similar to those collected by FDU since 2014. At that time, 42% of voters supported expanding casinos. By 2016, this had slightly decreased to 41%. Today, support has marginally increased to 44%, a shift considered statistically insignificant. Meanwhile, opposition remains steady at approximately 50%.
According to Dan Cassino, the pollster, "The only change since the last attempt to expand is more casinos opening in New York. This is important to those wanting to open new casinos, but doesn't seem to affect voters' opinions."
Regionally, there's stronger opposition to casino expansion in specific areas. Overall, 43% approve and 50% oppose expansion. However, in the area around the Meadowlands, where one proposed casino would be located, support drops to 38%, with 56% opposed.
Age also plays a role in the opposition.
Among those aged 65 and older, 58% oppose expanding casinos beyond Atlantic City, with only 38% in favor. Even among the youngest voters, who are most likely to use betting apps, 49% oppose expansion, while 45% support it.
“Older voters remember the commitment that casinos were only ever going to be in Atlantic City, and they’re holding the state to those promises,” said Cassino.
Atlantic City's Current Stronghold
Currently, New Jersey's constitution restricts casino gambling to the nine casinos in Atlantic City.
Any move to change this would require a constitutional amendment, demanding both legislative approval and a subsequent statewide referendum. Recent proposals have been concentrated on allowing full casino operations at two major horse racetracks in the state, with Democratic state senators like Paul Sarlo and Vin Gopal leading the charge.
Key bills and resolutions under consideration include SCR66 and earlier versions like SCR130, which have been introduced or supported by legislators such as Sarlo and Gopal.
Supporters of the expansion argue that it is crucial for New Jersey to remain competitive, especially given New York's ambitious casino projects in areas like Queens and the Bronx. These new developments pose a risk of drawing gamblers and revenue away from New Jersey.
By allowing casinos at racetracks, the state aims to retain gambling dollars and boost local economies by attracting new visitors.
Why Expand Atlantic City Casinos in New Jersey?
For racetrack owners and some state officials, the expansion is seen as a critical support for struggling horse racing industries.
It could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new state revenue, potentially funding property tax relief or boosting Atlantic City tourism. This strategy is about more than just gambling; it's tied to broader economic projects, like a proposed convention center at the Meadowlands, potentially enhanced by its role as a FIFA World Cup host.
Despite these arguments, skepticism persists.
Many voters have been wary about gambling expansion for years, concerned about issues like addiction, the potential impact on Atlantic City's existing casinos, and broader social costs. South Jersey lawmakers and stakeholders particularly worry that such a move could hurt their region's tourism and job markets.
Still no word on how the increasing popularity of online casinos in New Jersey could affect the situation.
What is Next for New Jersey Casinos?
For this proposal to reach the public vote, the legislature needs to act swiftly, ideally securing approval by June 2026 for a spot on the November ballot. However, history suggests that gaining voter approval may be an uphill battle.
The debate embodies regional rivalries and the challenge of balancing economic gains with social concerns.
Regardless of the legislative outcome, the months leading up to the potential referendum are sure to see intensive campaigning as both sides work to sway public opinion in the competitive Northeast gambling landscape.
