ATLANTIC CITY — New Jersey lawmakers may have shelved plans for North Jersey casinos this year, but casino analyst Anthony Marino believes the issue is far from settled.
Speaking on WOND's The Don Williams Show (weekdays 6-10am), Marino said supporters of casino expansion near the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park are expected to continue pushing for a statewide referendum, likely during the 2028 presidential election.
"It is very good news indeed for the folks down here who support the local industry," Marino said after lawmakers allowed the deadline for placing a casino referendum on this year's ballot to expire.
The Legislature's inaction effectively delayed any statewide vote until at least 2028.
Marino said the decision was widely expected.
"It wasn't a surprise to those who follow it," he said. "It's clear that the governor and a majority of the Democrats in the Senate and Assembly just don't want to deal with this issue this year."
Still, Marino warned that supporters of North Jersey casinos have not abandoned their efforts.
"It's like one of those malignant sores that just won't heal," he said. "They're not going to give up."
He pointed specifically to continued lobbying efforts from interests connected to the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park.
At the same time, Marino praised what he described as an unusually unified response from South Jersey lawmakers.
"On this issue, there is an unusual agreement on both sides of the aisle," he said.
Marino noted that roughly three dozen Democratic and Republican legislators from South Jersey publicly opposed casino expansion, arguing Atlantic City's gaming industry should remain New Jersey's exclusive casino destination.
"We have an established industry down here," Marino said. "There's no reason to mess with it."
Although Atlantic City's nine casinos continue to generate billions in annual gaming revenue, Marino acknowledged not every property is performing equally well.
"The industry remains strong," he said. "We have three to six casinos that can probably compete with anyone in New York."
However, he suggested weaker operators could face increasing pressure as new competition emerges from neighboring states.
"We may have to face the reality that there may be a contraction coming," Marino said.
He also pointed to the possibility of future ownership changes involving Caesars Entertainment properties if larger corporate acquisitions move forward.
Despite those challenges, Marino remains optimistic about Atlantic City's long-term future.
"The future is bright for the casino industry," he said, "if not for some particular operators in town."
For now, Atlantic City's casino industry has received at least a temporary reprieve, but Marino believes another political battle over North Jersey casinos is only a matter of time.
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Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
