Good things come to those who wait, right?
New Jersey lawmakers missed a key deadline to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would have allowed New Jersey casinos at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.
That means the earliest possible voter referendum is now November 2027, during Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s midterm election cycle.
The move is the latest chapter in a decades-long debate over whether to expand casino gaming beyond Atlantic City, where it has been constitutionally restricted since the 1970s. Supporters say the new sites would keep gambling revenue in-state and help fund property tax relief, while opponents warn of added competition for Atlantic City’s nine struggling casinos.
It also comes at a time when we're waiting to see who will hit a massive Hard Rock Bet jackpot in The Garden State.
What Was Proposed: Casinos at Two Racetracks
The proposal centers on a constitutional amendment—advanced through resolutions like SCR66—that would authorize the Legislature to permit full casino games (slots and table games) specifically at the two existing racetracks, which already host horse racing and sports betting.
Under the amendment text, state revenues from any new casinos would be dedicated to specific public priorities, including:
- Property tax relief
- Special education
- State pensions
- Cost-of-living adjustments for retirees
- Atlantic City tourism support
- Aid to the horse racing industry
The amendment would not automatically approve casinos; it would simply allow the Legislature to pass laws setting the rules, restrictions, and tax structure for casino operations at those two sites.
Why the Deadline Was Missed
New Jersey’s constitution sets a high bar for ballot amendments.
To reach voters, an amendment must be approved by a three-fifths supermajority in both the Senate and Assembly in one session—or by simple majorities in two consecutive sessions—with enough lead time before the election.
Lawmakers failed to meet an August 3, 2026 cutoff to place the question on the 2026 ballot, with budget work cited as a factor that delayed action.
As a result, the question cannot appear until at least the November 2027 general election.
What This Means for New Jersey Casinos
For now, no new casinos can open at the Meadowlands or Monmouth Park without both legislative approval of the constitutional change and voter approval in a statewide referendum.
The delay continues a long political standoff between North Jersey economic interests and Atlantic City protectionism.
Proponents argue the racetrack casinos would help retain gambling dollars that might otherwise flow to three new casinos planned for New York City’s outer boroughs (Queens and the Bronx). Opponents—especially South Jersey lawmakers and Atlantic City stakeholders—say added competition would further harm Atlantic City’s nine struggling casinos.
New Jersey Casino History and Public Opinion
Voters have been cautious about expanding casinos beyond Atlantic City. In 2016, a broader ballot question allowing casinos outside the city was rejected by roughly 77% to 23%.
More recent polling shows mixed but still cautious sentiment.
A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll in April 2026 found opposition around 49–50%, with support near 44%—little change from a decade earlier. By contrast, a poll commissioned by proponents showed higher support (around 61%) when the question was framed around competing with New York and specifying revenue benefits for a Meadowlands casino.
What Happens Next for New Jersey Casinos?
Supporters include North Jersey legislators and the racetrack operators themselves. Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural expressed disappointment at the missed deadline, while Monmouth Park operator Dennis Drazin pointed to the tough budget process as a factor. The tracks have long sought casino gaming to boost racing purses and business viability amid declining traditional revenue and reduced state subsidies.
Opponents include Atlantic City (which continues to make moves to attract more players) and South Jersey lawmakers, local officials, and the existing casino industry, who have actively worked to keep the question off the ballot.
The earliest path forward now runs through the 2027 election cycle. If the Legislature passes the amendment in two consecutive sessions (or by supermajority in one), it could reach voters in November 2027.
Until then, the status quo remains: casino gaming in New Jersey is limited to Atlantic City, and any expansion requires both a constitutional amendment and voter approval.
