New Jersey senators push constitutional amendment to allow casinos at racetracks
Trenton, NJ – A new proposal introduced in the New Jersey Legislature would allow casino-style gambling at two major racetracks, potentially ending Atlantic City’s long-standing exclusivity if voters approve a constitutional amendment.
Key Points
- Lawmakers introduced SCR66 proposing casino gaming at Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park Racetrack
- The measure requires voter approval through a statewide constitutional amendment
- State revenue would be divided among property tax relief, special education, pensions, Atlantic City tourism, and horse racing support
The measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 66, was pre-filed for the 222nd Legislature and sponsored by Sen. Vin Gopal of Monmouth County and Sen. Paul A. Sarlo of Bergen and Passaic counties. The proposal seeks to amend Article IV, Section VII of the New Jersey Constitution to allow the Legislature to authorize casino games at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport.
Casino gaming in New Jersey is currently restricted to Atlantic City under a voter-approved constitutional amendment adopted in the 1970s. Any expansion beyond the seaside resort city requires another constitutional change approved by voters statewide.
If approved by the Legislature and voters, the amendment would permit lawmakers to pass legislation regulating casino operations at the two racetracks, including determining which games are allowed and how they are taxed.
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Proposed revenue distribution outlined in amendment
The resolution includes a detailed formula directing how the state’s share of casino tax revenue would be distributed if gambling operations are authorized at the racetracks.
Under the proposal, 45 percent of state revenue would be dedicated to property tax reductions. Another 20 percent would fund extraordinary special education aid for school districts across the state.
The remaining revenue would be divided among several state priorities. Ten percent would support New Jersey’s pension systems, while another 10 percent would fund cost-of-living adjustments for retired state employees. Ten percent would be dedicated to Atlantic City tourism programs, and five percent would go toward supporting the state’s running and harness horse racing industry.
The amendment does not automatically establish casinos at the racetracks. Instead, it would grant the Legislature authority to pass future laws specifying how casino gaming would operate at the sites.
Voters would have final decision
Before reaching voters, the resolution must first be approved by the Legislature under constitutional amendment procedures. Once the Legislature gives final approval, the measure would appear on a statewide general election ballot occurring more than three months after the vote.
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The ballot question would ask voters whether the New Jersey Constitution should be amended to allow casino gaming at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park racetracks. It would also explain that tax revenue generated from those casinos would be dedicated to specific state programs, including property tax relief, special education funding, pension support, and assistance to the horse racing industry.
At present, casino gambling is limited to Atlantic City, which has operated casino resorts since the late 1970s. The proposed amendment would mark a significant shift in New Jersey gambling policy by allowing casino gaming in North Jersey and along the Jersey Shore outside Atlantic City.
Supporters argue the measure could generate new state revenue and strengthen the racing industry by pairing racetracks with casino-style gaming. The proposal also directs a portion of the revenue toward Atlantic City tourism initiatives.
If voters approve the constitutional change, the Legislature would still need to enact laws establishing the regulatory structure, types of games permitted, and tax framework governing casino operations at the two racetracks.
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