Here They Come, Again — The Push for Casinos In North Jersey

The ”No North Jersey Casinos” sign that you see above and below has been on my Townsquare Media WPG Talk Radio 95.5 studio wall for almost a decade.

This sign has been posted on my wall since 2016, the last time that big money and powerful political leaders tried to legalize casino gaming in North Jersey.

I have never taken it down … because I knew that the same crowd would take another run at this as soon as they saw an opening.

Ballot Question Of 2016

Then Atlantic City area Senator Jim Whelan sold out his District when he famously said that “North Jersey Casinos are inevitable” and he strenuously urged that Atlantic City Casinos should just roll over and accept this fate snd “make the best deal possible,” said Whelan at the time.

The ballot question, if successful, would have amended the state constitution to allow for two casinos to be built. They would have been required to be located at least 72 miles north of Atlantic City.

Fortunately  …

No one in listened to Whelan and a No North Jersey Committee, led by Bill Cortese was formed and they waged one of the most successful campaigns in New Jersey state history.

Cortese served as executive director of opposition group called “Trenton's Bad Bet.”

The group in favor of expanding casino gaming to North Jersey was called, “Our Turn NJ.”

In The End, The Election Was A Blowout

North Jersey Casinos were defeated on November 8, 2016 by an almost 80 percent to 20 percent rout.

The result became self-evident long before Election Day, when the “Our Turn NJ” team pulled all of its advertising one month before Election Day.

Here They Come, Again

New Jersey Senate bill, SCR66 of 2026 has been introduced. If it passes through the New Jersey Legislature and is approved by Governor Mikie Sherrill … it will once again place a ballot question that asks voters  whether casinos should be permitted in other places.

The proponents of this very bad idea have their sights set on the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford and Monmouth Park for 2 new casinos outside of Atlantic City.

It’s A Terrible Idea

This would compete against New Jersey’s leading industry (Atlantic City Casinos) and potentially lead to the closure of multiple Atlantic City Casinos.

There’s No Stopping The Atlantic City Area

When it effectively bands together, the winning track record of the citizens of the Atlantic City — South Jersey areas is well documented.

The Atlantic City area has defeated the North Jersey Casino effort multiple times over the years.

It’s time to get ready to do it, again.

Atlantic City Photos (Below)