Published on: January 15, 2026, 10:40 AM.
Updated on: January 15, 2026, 10:40 AM.
- New Jersey legislators will evaluate multiple gaming-related proposals in 2026
- A key focus will be the potential approval of a casino in North Jersey
- Discussions regarding smoking in casinos are also anticipated
This week marks the beginning of the 2026 legislative session in New Jersey, which features a newly restructured General Assembly. Last November, Democrats further solidified their dominance in the lower house by flipping five seats.
With the newly elected Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) and the party-led Senate, Democrats aim to advance a series of legislative objectives throughout the year, which runs until December 31.
Gaming will again take center stage in legislative discussions. Following New York’s approval of several downstate casinos, including one in the Bronx and two in Queens, New Jersey legislators are considering the wisdom of extending casino operations beyond Atlantic City.
Two resolutions, namely Senate Concurrent Resolutions 31 and 66, have been introduced to propose a statewide referendum. This would allow voters to amend the New Jersey Constitution to legalize slot machine gambling at horse racetracks. The overarching objective is to establish a casino in the Meadowlands of North Jersey, with the rationale that a local casino would help retain essential gaming tax revenue within New Jersey, rather than allowing it to migrate to neighboring New York with the forthcoming Bally’s, Hard Rock, and Resorts World casinos.
Legislation on Smoking
In addition to the proposals for a North Jersey casino, two bills have been introduced aiming to eliminate smoking in casinos. The 2006 New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act currently allows for exemptions for slot machines and simulcast betting facilities.
Senate Bill 1500 and 698, both proposed by Sen. John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester), aim to modify the state’s tobacco regulations to mandate that casinos, racetracks, and off-track betting establishments create smoke-free indoor spaces. The casino industry in southern New Jersey opposes such a smoking ban, arguing it may deter customers and result in job losses at the resorts.
Sherrill has voiced her support for making Atlantic City entirely smoke-free. She has challenged the industry’s assertions that smoking bans are detrimental to business, suggesting that such measures could actually benefit casinos, particularly as younger generations smoke at significantly lower rates than their predecessors.
“Younger individuals do not smoke cigarettes. It seems illogical to engage in a dispute over this if we consider the future of the industry,” Sherrill remarked last May regarding the opposition to the proposed smoking ban.
Sherrill will assume office on January 20.
Legalization of Sweepstakes Casinos
Additionally, New Jersey legislators are set to deliberate on a potential law that would permit sweepstakes casinos. Senate Bill 1500 proposed by Sen. Joseph Cryan (D-Union) aims to classify dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos as a regulated form of internet gambling under the state’s iGaming legislation.
Previously, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) enacted legislation prohibiting unlicensed sweepstakes casinos.
Should SB1500 be approved, sweepstakes casinos would be required to obtain the necessary license from the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and directing 19.75% of gross revenues to the state.