New Jersey Lawmakers Revisit Casinos at Meadowlands and Monmouth Park

New Jersey lawmakers again raised the idea of casino gambling outside Atlantic City. A new proposal could eventually allow casinos at Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks if voters approve a constitutional change.

Good to Know

• A new New Jersey bill could lead to a statewide vote on casinos at Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
• Any expansion requires voter approval because casino gambling outside Atlantic City remains prohibited under the state constitution.
• Lawmakers raised the idea partly because New York plans to open three new casinos in New York City.

Growing competition across the Hudson River pushed the discussion back into state politics. New York plans to license three casinos in New York City, and many New Jersey officials worry gamblers and tax revenue could flow there instead.

Supporters of casino expansion argue that both racetracks already host gambling activity through sports betting and horse racing. Senator Vin Gopal pointed to that reality while making the case for broader casino gaming.

“We’re already doing sports betting on site, we’re already betting on horse racing on site,” Gopal said in a The New York Times report. “Gambling is already happening. How is this any different?”

Proposal Could Lead to Statewide Casino Vote

The legislation came from Democratic state senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo. If lawmakers advance the proposal, voters could see the issue on a ballot as early as November.

Casino gambling outside Atlantic City remains restricted under the constitution of New Jersey, so public approval remains necessary before any licenses could move forward.

Supporters frame the proposal as a defensive step against the growing casino sector in New York. Racetrack owners at Meadowlands and Monmouth Park have urged state officials to revisit the issue even though voters rejected a similar plan in 2016.

The bill also attempts to ease political resistance from South Jersey. At least 10 percent of tax revenue generated by new casinos would support tourism activity in Atlantic City.

That promise may not quiet opposition. Michael Suleiman warned leaders in Atlantic County remain determined to block casinos in Monmouth and Bergen counties even as New York pushes ahead with new developments.

“We will have to defeat it,” Suleiman said.

Atlantic City casino leaders often argue that casino expansion elsewhere in New Jersey could weaken a market that already competes with gambling venues in nearby states. Several casinos closed roughly a decade ago, leaving nine operating properties today.

Governor Mikie Sherrill has also described revival of Atlantic City as an economic priority.

Former governor Chris Christie pointed to the 2016 vote when residents rejected casino expansion by a wide margin. He argued that public opinion may not have shifted much since that result and suggested New York expansion may not heavily damage Atlantic City.

Developers behind Meadowlands continue to seek support. Jeff Gural said any development would involve discussion with Atlantic City casino operators.

“Our plan is to sit with the Atlantic City casino industry and come up with a plan to protect their interests,” Gural said.

Gural also suggested New Jersey could mirror the licensing model planned in New York, where bidders must pay at least $500 million for a casino license. He added that North Jersey casinos would likely compete more directly with the upcoming New York City casinos than with Atlantic City.

Legislative leaders remain cautious. Assembly Democratic Majority Leader Louis Greenwald said lawmakers should review the idea but want more details on revenue projections and the broader framework before taking a position.

According to a person familiar with internal conversations cited by The New York Times, the administration continues to review the concept without endorsing or rejecting it. Senator Gopal said discussions with chief of staff Alex Ball have been constructive, though additional analysis remains necessary before any formal support appears.

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