Atlantic City’s gaming bill proceeds with criticism

If approved, the law will grant New Jersey the total control of gaming businesses’ regulations, administrations and fees distributions.

US.- New Jersey Senate Budget Committee passed the bill of gaming control to the plenary of Senators for the final phase of voting in the Chamber. In order for the law to be declared constitutional, it will have to be approved by several members of the government. Nevertheless, protests against it have already started the demonstrations leading to police interference.

“Stop the takeover!” were the claim that citizens screamed in front of the state’s Senate after hearing the approval of the Committee. “The state’s taking everything away from us. Now they want to take away our right to speak? I’m going to fight for that,” expressed Steve Young, leader of local activists with Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. The takeover could help Atlantic City’s financial debts.

Until now, the date for the next voting in the full Senate was not set, but it’s been said that it’s going to happen next week. With this takeover, New Jersey will be able to break contracts, sell lands in Atlantic City and dissolve agencies. As to casinos, the bill would allow the operators to pay in lieu of taxes with previous contract’s arrangements. Furthermore, the complex could make specified payments for 10 years in return for not appealing their taxes.

The regulation arrives in worst financial circumstances of the city that has been perceiving a deep drop in its revenues. Casinos’ losses are calculated to be US$2.64 billion in the last ten years and four of the 12 casinos decided to leave Atlantic City. The bill, as Chris Christie and Steve Sweeney –Democratic representatives of the Senate– affirm, could help the state to survive the financial crisis. For now, New Jersey would keep US$10 million in the state aid until the governors approve a fiscal austerity for Atlantic City.