NJ crisis threatens casinos

The budget crisis in New Jersey could jeopardise casino activities in Atlantic City.

US.- New Jersey failed to pass the budget last Saturday leading to a major shutdown throughout the state’s activities, which could also jeopardise casino operations. Atlantic City gaming venues could be forced to close their services at the end of this week if officials do not agree on the state’s budget by Saturday.

“This is a market that’s very sensitive to external forces, and we’ve been on a nice little uptick here,” David Rebuck, director of the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, told the Press of Atlantic City. “You could lose everything you’ve gained over the last year in a very short period of time.”

New Jersey Legislature and Governor Chris Christie are discussing this week the economic plans to reopen the state’s activities. Christie ruled to shut down nonessential state services after his government failed to pass the budget. Yesterday his reputation was questioned by the press as he was caught enjoying a closed to the public beach during the state’s shutdown last Sunday.

“We’ve had enough casinos shutting down over the past few years; we don’t need anymore,” stated Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, D-Atlantic, in the Press of Atlantic City’s article. “I want to see this budget pass because there are a lot of good things in it … But I don’t like how this is going.”