Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, and Assemblywoman Claire Swift have expressed their opposition to a proposal by Senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo to expand casino gaming into North Jersey.
“New Jersey voters have made their voices clear that casinos belong in Atlantic City and Atlantic City only. Now is the time to focus on strengthening the economy in the Atlantic County region as New York gaming expands,” stated Senator Vince Polistina.
Assemblyman Don Guardian elaborated, “Expanding casino gaming to North Jersey will do nothing to increase gaming revenues statewide and will only move them from Atlantic City elsewhere. Our focus has been to make Atlantic City a worldwide destination for both gaming and non-gaming tourism. We need to continue to work on the infrastructure of the city to not only keep our current visitors but attract new ones.”
Assemblywoman Claire Swift added, “The entire State of New Jersey benefits from the gaming revenues in the City of Atlantic City. The State pulls a tremendous amount of dollars from the City and spends them on projects outside its limits. Instead of creating in-state competition, why not put some of those current dollars back in projects that will continue to bring visitors to Atlantic City from North Jersey and beyond?”
In 2016, a referendum allowing casinos outside Atlantic City was rejected by voters with a margin of 77% against and 23% in favor. Senator Polistina concluded, “I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor on measures to address the challenges in Atlantic City and provide a foundation for continued growth in the region.”
