New Jersey voters have rejected an attempt to allow casinos at two locations in North Jersey.

The defeat means casino gambling will remain legal only in Atlantic City, where voters approved it in 1976. The question cannot be placed on the ballot again for two years.

The defeat was expected after expansion backers ended a $10 million ad campaign believing that voters were opposed.

It also comes as Atlantic City's casino industry shrinks, thanks in part to the opening of casinos in neighboring states. Five of the city's 12 casinos have closed since 2014. The Trump Taj Mahal closed last month.

The referendum didn't specify where the casinos would go. Proposals were floated for the Meadowlands Racetrack, Jersey City and Newark.

A group including New York casinos spent $11.3 million against expansion.