Atlantic City's Casino Monopoly Gets Another Reprieve as North Jersey Expansion Delayed

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City's casino industry has gained at least another year of breathing room after efforts to place a North Jersey casino referendum before voters failed to advance this year.

The proposal would have asked New Jersey voters to approve a constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling outside Atlantic City, but it will not appear on this year's ballot. Supporters are now expected to turn their attention to future election cycles.

During an appearance on WOND's AC Mike Lopez Show, Frank Morano, who represents New York City's 51st Council District, said the delay is welcome news for South Jersey's gaming industry.

"The idea of casinos at the Meadowlands, I don't think is a good one," Morano said. "It's something that hurts multiple different communities."

Morano said allowing casinos in North Jersey could significantly impact Atlantic City's nine casino resorts, which remain a major economic driver for the region through tourism, employment and tax revenue.

He also questioned whether expanding casino gambling would benefit the state overall.

"It does create more and more gamblers," Morano said. "Even though I like to gamble myself occasionally, it's not a great thing for the economy because the house always wins."

Morano argued that increased gambling opportunities could leave more residents struggling financially while placing additional demands on public assistance programs.

The proposal would have required voter approval before casino gambling could expand beyond Atlantic City. Similar efforts have failed in the past, including a statewide referendum rejected by voters in 2016.

For now, Atlantic City remains New Jersey's only location where casino gambling is permitted, preserving a monopoly the resort has held since casino gaming was legalized in the state nearly five decades ago.