NJ state senator pushes for Meadowlands ‘racino’ after New York approves 3 new casinos
This is the second-to-last step in a years-long effort to expand gambling in the region.
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The New York State Gaming Commission on Monday approved licenses for three new casinos in New York City, two in Queens and one in the Bronx. It's the second-to-last step in a years-long effort to expand gambling in the region.
But across the river, one New Jersey lawmaker says the Garden State shouldn’t sit back and watch potential tax revenue flow east. State Sen. Joe Pennacchio is renewing his call for a slot machine gambling at the Meadowlands Racetrack, as neighboring states move forward with new gaming operations.
“New Jersey continues to sit on its hands. Putting a racino in the Meadowlands would generate tons of cash for strapped New Jersey, and I think the taxpayers deserve that to be looked at,” Pennacchio said.
The idea of adding slot machines to East Rutherford is not new. But Pennacchio argues it’s becoming increasingly necessary as New York, Pennsylvania and other nearby states rapidly expand casino gambling.
“Atlantic City is complaining they don’t want to be cannibalized by any other efforts in New Jersey. And yet you look at the surrounding states, they’re doing all the cannibalization as we speak right now,” he said.
Under Pennacchio’s proposed resolution, Atlantic City casinos could oversee and profit from any new gambling operations at the Meadowlands, something the senator calls a win-win for both Atlantic City and the state.
“That’s one hole that the state doesn’t have to constantly look at every year during budget time in order to fill,” he said.
The resolution would require amending the state constitution. That means any proposal must pass the General Assembly and the Senate before going directly to voters.
