New Jersey voters oppose allowing casinos outside Atlantic City, poll shows
A Fairleigh Dickinson University study has found that opinion on casinos in New Jersey remains stable.
US.- A Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) poll has found that New Jersey voters would oppose any expansion of casinos outside Atlantic City. Such a move would requite require an amendment to the state’s constitution, which would need to be approved by voters in a referendum.
According to the latest survey, opinions remain similar to previous editions Some 44 per cent of respondents said they would support a move to allow casinos outside of Atlantic City. That compares to 42 per cent in 2014 and 41 per cent in 2016.The poll showed that opposition is slightly higher in areas around Atlantic City, particularly surrounding the Meadowlands.
A referendum on the expansion of casinos in New Jersey in 2016 saw 77 per cent votes against and 23 per cent in favour.
Dan Cassino, a professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the executive director of the FDU Poll, said: “People made up their minds about casino expansion a long time ago. Unless something dramatic happens, putting the issue in front of voters is going to lead to the same outcome as it did before. The only thing that’s changed since last time this was tried is more casinos opening in New York. That matters a lot to the folks who want to open casinos, but it doesn’t seem to matter to the voters.”
Last year, New Jersey governor Phil Murphy said he was open to the possibility of allowing casinos outside of Atlantic City at racetracks at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park in order to compete with new casinos in New York.
