A new poll finds New Jersey voters are still soundly against the building of new casinos in the northern part of the state more than a year and half after overwhelmingly defeating a referendum on the plan in 2016.
According to a scientific poll paid for by Trenton’s Bad Bet—a non-profit organization which was initially formed to oppose the referendum—voters overwhelmingly support three key ideas to raise revenue in the state proposed by new Governor Phil Murphy. They include the legalization and taxation of marijuana, a millionaire’s tax, and closing corporate tax loopholes.
However, only 34 percent of voters approve of raising revenue by opening casinos outside of Atlantic City.
“By nearly a two to one margin voters prefer a millionaire’s tax or legalized marijuana over expanding casinos in North Jersey,” a message on the poll reads. “In fact, voters believe Gov. Murphy should heed the will of the people on casino expansion.”
Murphy supported the 2016 referendum. Though the referendum did not name specific sites, new casinos proposed for the Meadowlands Racetrack and another in Jersey City were considered the leading contenders.
During his campaign, Murphy said he still supports the plan, but said it would be up to the state legislature to bring back a referendum. However, New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney has said such a move was unlikely since the referendum was defeated by a nearly 4 to 1 margin.
Atlantic City area legislators, however, fear that the idea could gain momentum again.
“Voters are still tired of Trenton’s broken promises and believe North Jersey casinos are a bad bet,” the polling message reads. “Even after hearing the best arguments for North Jersey casino expansion, voters believe casinos could harm existing Atlantic City casinos and that Trenton politicians will fail to keep their promises.”
