Published on: November 12, 2025, at 04:50h.
Last revised on: November 12, 2025, at 04:51h.
- New Jersey continues to oversee Atlantic City
- The county executive advocates for Atlantic City’s self-governance and the repeal of the casinos’ property tax initiative
The governance of Atlantic City has been under New Jersey’s jurisdiction since 2016 due to severe financial and budgetary challenges. This state oversight may persist for another five years.
In 2016, New Jersey officials, led by Gov. Chris Christie (R), took charge of Atlantic City due to a staggering $100 million budget shortfall, attributed to inadequate governance, soaring expenses, inflated taxes, and a struggling local economy following the closure of five casinos from 2014 to that year.
Atlantic City has since achieved a certain level of stability. Gov. Phil Murphy (D), critical of the state’s oversight, had promised during his 2017 campaign to restore control to the city but backtracked, signing a bill in 2021 to prolong the takeover until November 2026.
Political leaders in Trenton are preparing measures to further extend the state’s oversight.
State Senator John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) is advocating for a five-year extension of the state’s control, while Senator Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) is drafting a bill that would maintain state oversight until 2036.
Local Discontent
One local leader opposing the continuation of state oversight is Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson. In an extensive interview with Casino.org in April, Levinson expressed dissatisfaction with the current status of Atlantic City.
“I want Atlantic City to prosper and flourish, but our streets are in poor condition. The street lighting is inadequate. We can’t even synchronize the traffic signals—basic necessities every city must address,” Levinson stated.
“If someone is in charge, they are responsible for that area. The mayor and council are powerless. The state governs everything from top to bottom,” Levinson continued. “After 20 years, one cannot argue that state control has made Atlantic City a more attractive place.”
Levinson did concede that the casinos “are incredibly appealing,” boasting “top-notch chefs and world-class entertainment.” However, he argued that the state has let Atlantic City down—“whether through intention or incompetence”—resulting in its decline.
Conversely, state lawmakers view the state oversight as beneficial.
“Since 2016, New Jersey has been a vital partner in managing Atlantic City’s operations and tackling major debt issues. Given the increase in competition from New York City and the ongoing push from North Jersey legislators for gaming expansion, it is more crucial than ever for the state and city to collaborate for the benefit of all residents,” Polistina stated recently.
In April, Murphy reported to the Press of Atlantic City that the city is “improving.”
“We have established a successful partnership,” the governor asserted. “We have accomplished numerous positive initiatives together. There must be a very strong justification to dissolve that partnership.”
Discussion on PILOT Program Expected
Alongside the proposals to extend the state’s control, lawmakers in Trenton are also evaluating legislation regarding the payment-in-lieu-of-tax (PILOT) program affecting the nine casinos.
The PILOT program was introduced in conjunction with the state’s takeover, as casinos disputed their property tax valuations following the closure of five resorts and declining business. It aims to ensure timely property tax payments from casinos to state and local governments.
The PILOT bill is determined based on the previous year’s gross gaming revenue from the nine casinos. Polistina has proposed that the PILOT should “continue indefinitely.”
Levinson opposes the PILOT as well.
“I cannot understand why other states with casino gaming have managed to assess casino properties without necessitating a PILOT that burdens our taxpayers further. What makes New Jersey different? Why can’t the NJ Legislature devise a proper tax assessment method for casinos that doesn’t impose additional strain on our hardworking families, who already face the highest state taxes in the nation?” Levinson queried Polistina in a letter sent in February.