New Jersey Sen. Vin Gopal proposed a bill earlier this month that would establish casino games at racetracks in Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands.
Currently, Atlantic City is the only area in the Garden State where slot machines and table games are legal.
Having casino locations in North Jersey could be beneficial to the state, especially since NJ online casinos.
Casinos in North Jersey, however, would face serious competition once New York clears the way for three downstate casino licenses.
What the bill says
The amendment to Bill SCR130 would allow for casino games to exist outside of Atlantic City. There are no restrictions of games and limits as of yet, which would come at a later date. According to the bill:
“Upon approval of this amendment, the Legislature may a law prescribing the specific kind, restrictions, and control of operations of such casino games.”
Gopal’s legislation laid out a tax framework for potential casinos. Tax revenue would be distributed in the following ways:
- 45% to reduce property taxes
- 20% to extraordinary special education aid
- 10% to state pension systems
- 10% to cost-of-living adjustments for retired state employees
- 10% to Atlantic City tourism
- 5% to run horse racing in the state
North Jersey casino would face competition from New York
The Empire State is ready to hand out three licenses in New York City. There are pitches for casinos in Yonkers, Brooklyn, Times Square, and the Bronx.
That could significantly impact a potential casino in Monmouth Park or the Meadowlands Racetracks. Whether it is positive or negative remains to be seen.
The same could be said for Atlantic City. The addition of another casino or two in the northern part of the state could be a benefit. However, it could also negatively impact the Atlantic City industry, which experienced a 15% year-over-year profit loss in the first quarter of 2025.
Atlantic City properties have invested in entertainment, other than gambling, to stay afloat. A study, the 2024 Impact: Atlantic City Casino Industry, revealed that operators spent $200 million in 2024 on entertainment such as dining and lodging to attract and retain customers.
Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands Racetracks might have to invest in activities other than gambling to be successful if the bill es.
