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Published on: December 3, 2025, at 09:47h.
Updated on: December 3, 2025, at 09:47h.
- New Jersey legislators are considering introducing slots in North Jersey
- New York has authorized three casinos in New York City
- These NY casinos pose a threat to Atlantic City
This week, New York approved three new casinos in the downstate region, including one in the Bronx and two in Queens. These developments, with a total investment of $17.5 billion, significantly jeopardize the prospects of Atlantic City.
Following years of hardship and a pandemic, Atlantic City has just managed to find its footing. Currently, all nine casino establishments are reporting profits, with in-person gaming earnings from slots and table games reaching $2.44 billion, showing a year-over-year increase of 3.4% through October.
Critical markets for Atlantic City include North Jersey and lower New York. With Resorts World New York City near JFK International evolving from a racino to a full-fledged Las Vegas-style casino, Hard Rock planning a gaming resort around Mets’ Citi Field in Queens, and Bally’s preparing to open a casino in the Bronx at Ferry Point, the future for Atlantic City looks uncertain.
To respond to these challenges, some New Jersey officials propose allowing casinos, or at the very least, slot machines in North Jersey. Advocates claim the Meadowlands would serve as an optimal location for this initiative and could help retain some gaming revenue within the Garden State.
Racino Initiative
New Jersey Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris, Passaic) has advocated for the introduction of slot machines in North Jersey since the 2014-15 legislative session. With the recent approval of casinos in downstate New York, there is an increasing urgency to endorse racinos at state horse racing tracks.
“New York is advancing with three new casinos, while New Jersey is stagnant, watching as our gaming revenue flows to the other side of the river. This is unacceptable,” stated Pennacchio.
“Establishing a Meadowlands racino would provide an immediate economic boost for our state; however, leaders remain passive. I am reiterating my appeal for racinos because New Jersey cannot afford to lag while our neighbors take advantage,” added the deputy Republican leader.
The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to begin on January 13 and will continue throughout the year.
During the last session, Pennacchio’s Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14, co-sponsored with Senator Joseph Cryan (D-Union), aimed to introduce slots at horse racing venues. This proposal, however, was halted by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. The law would have allocated 30% of state tax revenue from the racino slots back to Atlantic City casinos, with an additional 7% earmarked for programs focused on the recovery, stabilization, or enhancement of Atlantic City.
Casino Legislation
Pennacchio’s racino proposal won’t be the only gambling bill from North Jersey in Trenton in January. Senators Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), who represent areas where they are seeking to allow slot machines and table games, are expected to reintroduce their concurrent resolution to permit casinos at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
Ultimately, New Jersey voters will decide whether to expand any form of casino gambling outside Atlantic City. A legislative-driven constitutional referendum requiring a simple majority in a statewide vote would be necessary to amend the New Jersey Constitution.
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