New Jersey governor open about expanding casino gaming beyond Atlantic City
Governor Phil Murphy says he doesn’t want New Jersey to lose casino spend to New York.
US.- New Jersey governor Phil Murphy has said he is open to the possibility of casinos outside of Atlantic City. Speaking to The Press of Atlantic City, Murphy said he was “open-minded” about developments in northern or central New Jersey.
The comments come as New York City looks to award three casino licences, which would provide new competition for New Jersey’s casinos.
“I have historically liked the notion that if it’s a zero-sum question between New York and New Jersey, I want the gaming dollars and the tourism and everything that goes with it on the New Jersey side, for sure,” Murphy said during the interview. “But I’m also conscious of what the impact would be on Atlantic City, as I have been since Day One.”
Murphy added: “As we meet in June, we’re in the sweet spot. This place is humming. I don’t want to lose those dollars out of New Jersey, so I have to color myself open-minded, but with a very clear caveat that I need to understand how all of this impacts Atlantic City,” he said.
Atlantic City is currently the only place in the state where slots and table games are legal. Senator Vin Gopal has introduced a bill that would allow casino games at the Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands racetracks. The amendment to Bill SCR130 would require a constitutional ballot.
