Atlantic City casinos can breathe easier for another year, according to state Senator Jim Whelan, who represents Atlantic City.
“I am certain it’s not going to be on the ballot this fall,” he told the Associated Press. “I am 98 percent sure it’s not happening this year. Clearly there’s no consensus on this issue. You’ve got several different competing plans, and if there’s no agreement on what to ask for, what is there to put forth?”
Senate President Steve Sweeney, who flipped his position opposing North Jersey casinos to favoring them earlier this year, has expressed reservations about whether a plan could be hammered out by the deadline of August 3. Sources also say that Sweeney is concerned about backlash in his South Jersey community, which would result in voters opposing him and his colleagues who are up for re-election in November.
Although there is a consensus from North Jersey politicians that they want more gaming in their region, there is no agreement on what form it would take. Proposals begin with one casino at the Meadowlands racetrack in East Rutherford, just across the river from New York City, to three casinos in cities like Jersey City and Newark, and multiple casinos across the state, including in other shore communities. Taxes are an issue too, as there is no agreement on that. Jeff Gural, who wants to place a casino at his Meadowlands racetrack, has offered to pay 55 percent, far higher than Atlantic City’s 8 percent tax.
Atlantic City casino executives are adamant that such a plan would spell the end of the Atlantic City casino industry, and vigorously oppose it.
