Van Drew Warns Atlantic City Must Adapt as Gambling Competition Intensifies

"We've got big challenges...We don't want more casinos to close." - Congressman Jeff Van Drew

ATLANTIC CITY — Congressman Jeff Van Drew says Atlantic City faces growing competition from emerging forms of gambling and neighboring states, warning that continued investment and strategic planning will be critical to keeping the resort competitive.

Speaking on WOND's The Don Williams Show, Van Drew addressed concerns over prediction markets, online wagering and the continued expansion of casino gaming outside New Jersey.

"I think we've got to look at anything to make sure that we protect our market and what we have here in Atlantic City," Van Drew said.

While lawsuits involving prediction markets continue to move through the courts, Van Drew said the broader issue is much larger.

"The real challenge for Atlantic City... is to make Atlantic City keep moving forward, to make it brighter, safer, more attractive, to bring more people in."

Van Drew also pointed to continued casino expansion in neighboring New York as one of the city's biggest long-term threats.

"New York is certainly a threat as well," he said.

He noted that Atlantic City's gaming landscape has changed dramatically over the past several decades.

"You and I can remember the days when Atlantic City and Las Vegas were the only places... where you walked into the casino and spent money in the casino," Van Drew said.

"That's changed in so many different ways. People are gambling on their phones, the prediction markets, the sportsbook. Everything that's going on has changed a lot."

Van Drew said local and state leaders will need to continue working together to ensure Atlantic City remains competitive.

"We've got big challenges," he said. "We don't want more casinos to close."

Although many of the regulatory decisions fall under state authority, Van Drew said protecting Atlantic City's tourism economy should remain a priority.

"I think we all have to come together and stand together to do everything we can to keep Atlantic City as strong as possible."