Published on: March 11, 2026, 11:54h.
Updated on: March 11, 2026, 11:55h.
- Monmouth Park in New Jersey is pursuing a casino license.
- The racetrack introduced a Caesars Sportsbook last year.
- Voters in New Jersey must approve the establishment of casinos at racetracks.
A horse racing venue in New Jersey is seeking state approval to transform the site into a mixed-use entertainment hub featuring a casino resort, a youth sports complex, and numerous residential units.
Monmouth Park Racetrack holds a significant place in Oceanport, NJ, known for hosting the Haskell Invitational each year. The site is state-owned, operated by Dennis Drazin’s Darby Development, under the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA).
Drazin and his partner, Morris Bailey, a real estate executive owning Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, have revealed plans to develop Monmouth Park into a premier entertainment destination. Drazin presented the project to the Oceanport Planning Board on Tuesday.
Darby Development proposes the inclusion of a casino with two hotels at Monmouth Park, along with five youth baseball fields, indoor paddle courts for tennis and pickleball, and a total of 485 residential apartment units.
Community Approval
As Monmouth Park is state-owned, local officials do not have direct oversight of the development. However, the Planning Board has expressed general support for the initiative, though some concerns were voiced about the proposed apartments, with Mayor Tom Tvrdik noting potential traffic issues.
The feasibility of this plan hinges on a broad initiative to extend casino gaming outside Atlantic City, requiring a statewide ballot referendum for a constitutional amendment in New Jersey.
In 2016, a proposal to establish casinos in towns beyond 72 miles from Atlantic City was overwhelmingly rejected by voters, with results showing 77% against and 23% in favor.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 aims to permit casinos at Monmouth Park and The Meadowlands in Bergen County. However, this proposed amendment, sponsored by Senators Joseph Pennacchio (R-Morris) and Joseph Cryan (D-Union), has yet to advance from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee, where it was introduced for review in January.
Similarly, another bill, Senate Concurrent Resolution 66, introduced by Senators Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) and Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), has also seen no progress in the same committee.
Route to Referendum
New Jersey legislation mandates that proposed constitutional amendments like SCR31 and SCR66 require a two-thirds majority support in both legislative chambers. Currently, there appears to be minimal interest in discussing casino expansion from both the state Senate and Assembly.
With upcoming casinos set to open in downstate New York including the Bronx and Queens, there is a consensus in Trenton that more competition could jeopardize the future of Atlantic City.
SCR31 contains provisions aimed at safeguarding the nine existing casinos in Atlantic City. As planned, 30% of state tax revenue derived from slot machines at Monmouth Park and The Meadowlands would be distributed proportionately among a consortium of licensed casino operators in Atlantic City.