New Jersey casino referendum moves forwards

Public hearings regarding the statewide vote on casinos are being held.

US.- A public hearing was conducted by the State Senate committee on Monday, on the planned referendum in New Jersey. During this hearing, Atlantic City backers predicted that the casinos would ruin the seaside gambling resort.

A second public hearing is scheduled for March 7 at the State Assembly. Once these hearings are concluded, both houses of the Legislature will vote on the bill. The legislation has to be approved by a three-fifths majority in both houses and this will determine if the ballot question will go before voters in the November election.

The proposed bill aims to allow the creation of two casinos in New Jersey at least 72 miles away from Atlantic City and in two separate counties. Leading candidates in terms of location so far include East Rutherford and Jersey City.