Another group has formed in New Jersey to try and defeat a public referendum going before voters in November to allow casinos to be built outside of Atlantic City for the first time.
But unlike other groups based in the southern part of the state, this group is based in northern New Jersey where the new casinos would be built.
The group calls itself Trenton’s Bad Bet and lists its home base as Newark. In a news release, the group described itself as a “diverse collection of concerned New Jersey community leaders, unions, businesses and residents that will work to oppose the … referendum that seeks to expand gaming into North Jersey.”
The referendum, if passed, would change the state constitution to allow casinos outside of Atlantic City. The referendum would limit the casinos to the northern part of the state, but does not name specific locations – though The Meadowlands and Jersey City are considered the leading contenders.
The referendum has been opposed by groups in the southern part of the state that feel new casinos would further devastate Atlantics City’s troubled casino market. This, however, is the first announcement of organized opposition from the northern part of the state – though the group claims it has statewide support.
“Members of Trenton’s Bad Bet represent North Jersey, where the casino expansion is being broadly proposed, as well as central and South Jersey, where gaming expansion could impact both quality of life and the local economy,” the release said.
The group, however, did not disclose information on its members.
“Right now we are focused on generating awareness with voters so they understand what a bad deal this is for taxpayers,” Bill Cortese, the group’s executive director, said in the statement. “We also want to make sure residents have a voice in this process. So far very little information has been shared—a typical play by Trenton politicians when they want to move something through the back door.”
Those supporting the two new casinos – which would be able to easily tap the New York City market – say the state needs the casinos to stay competitive with casino expansion in neighboring states. The plan does not set specific tax rates for the new casinos, but promises a significant amount of revenue would be directed to Atlantic City for development projects there.
The new group seems to have quickly joined with opponents in southern New Jersey and their press release included quotes from Bob McDevitt, the president of casino-workers union Local 54, and Debra DiLorenzo, the chairwoman of the previously formed No North Jersey Casinos coalition.
McDevitt told the Press of Atlantic City said the new anti-casino group approached No North Jersey Casinos, which officially formed in April. That coalition claims as members more than 300 companies, business groups, government officials and private citizens.
“They came to our organization,” McDevitt said. “And we have the same goal in mind—to keep gambling in Atlantic City only. So it was a pretty easy alliance.”
Polls have found that state residents are almost evenly split on the issue with a small majority opposing the referendum. It’s estimated that the various groups for and against the referendum will spend about $40 million in advertising before November.
