As New York City advances plans to open new casinos, New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a constitutional amendment (Bill SCR130) aimed at allowing casino gaming at two prominent racetracks within the state: the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport. This move is positioned as a strategic response to the competitive threat posed by potential casinos in Manhattan.

Initiative aims to protect New Jersey’s gambling market:

The legislation, introduced on May 12 by State Senators Paul Sarlo (D-Wood Ridge) and Vin Gopal (D-Tinton Falls), would submit a ballot question to voters asking if casino operations should be permitted at these two racetracks. If approved, the amendment would permit the state Legislature to regulate and tax casino games at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, expanding gambling options beyond Atlantic City, where casino gaming has been historically confined.

Sarlo emphasized the importance of this initiative in signaling New York State that New Jersey is prepared to protect its gambling market. “This plants a flag to send a message to New York State that if they open a casino in Manhattan, that New Jersey is ready to respond to the competition,” he stated. Gopal echoed this sentiment, highlighting the disadvantage these racetracks face due to current restrictions preventing casino gambling despite neighboring states allowing wagering at racetracks.

The proposed constitutional amendment outlines a detailed revenue allocation plan for taxes generated from these new casinos. Forty-five percent of the revenue would fund property tax reductions for homeowners, twenty percent dedicated to special education, and ten percent each directed toward state pension funding, cost-of-living adjustments for retired employees, and Atlantic City tourism support. The remaining five percent would assist the state’s horse racing industry.

The legislative path requires either a three-fifths majority vote in both the New Jersey Assembly and Senate in the same session or simple majorities in two consecutive sessions before the question can appear on a statewide ballot. Although the timing for such a vote has not yet been determined, proponents hope for progress in 2026, particularly after a new governor is installed and New York’s casino plans become clearer.

According to NorthJersey.com, Jeffrey Gural, owner of the Meadowlands Racetrack and a key advocate for this initiative, expressed optimism about the proposal’s chances. Having led a failed 2016 referendum that sought to legalize a North Jersey casino, Gural noted that public attitudes have shifted considerably, especially since the legalization of sports betting. He suggested that focusing on approving a casino solely at the Meadowlands could be more favorable, given some local opposition to expanding casino gambling in Monmouth Park due to its proximity to Atlantic City.

Atlantic City’s concerns and New York competition:

Atlantic City’s casino industry remains wary of this development. The city’s casinos have already faced growing competition from facilities across state lines, including Yonkers, Philadelphia, Delaware, and potentially New York City itself. Mark Giannantonio, president of Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City and head of the Casino Association of New Jersey, warned that an additional casino in New Jersey could threaten the viability of existing casinos in Atlantic City.

Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. shared concerns about the looming competition, noting the potential impact on tourism and the local economy. Meanwhile, some Atlantic County officials and casino representatives have voiced strong opposition to expanding casino gambling outside the city, arguing that it would cannibalize Atlantic City’s market without significantly diverting patrons from New York.

New York is expected to award up to three casino licenses in the downstate region by the end of the year. Of these, two are widely anticipated to go to existing racetracks in Yonkers and Queens, while the remaining license could be awarded to one of several Manhattan proposals, including developments linked to celebrities and major casino operators.

With these high-profile New York plans underway, New Jersey’s legislative push to authorize casinos at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks reflects a broader battle for regional gaming dollars. If successful, it would mark a significant expansion of casino gambling within New Jersey and reshape the competitive landscape between New Jersey and New York.

The amendment, formally titled Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 130 (SCR130), proposes to amend Article IV, Section VII, paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution. It grants the Legislature authority to regulate casino games at the two racetracks, including the licensing and taxation of these operations. The revenue from these taxes is earmarked for specific state needs, notably including property tax relief, education, pension funding, and support for Atlantic City tourism and the horse racing industry.

In 2016, a similar constitutional amendment to allow casinos in North Jersey was decisively rejected by 77 percent of voters. The failure was partly attributed to the wording, which allowed casinos to be built anywhere in North Jersey, causing neighborhood opposition.

Since then, the gambling environment has evolved dramatically. The repeal of the federal sports betting ban opened the door for sportsbooks at racetracks, and online gambling has become widely accessible. This shifting landscape, combined with New York’s casino ambitions, forms the backdrop for the renewed push.

Despite these changes, opposition remains firm. Atlantic County Democratic Chair Michael Suleiman criticized the amendment as detrimental to Atlantic City’s economy, warning that it could lead to more casino closures and job losses. Hard Rock International, once allied with Gural on North Jersey casino plans, has shifted its focus toward New York City’s casino opportunities.