Support For North Jersey Casinos Increasing, Survey Shows

RIDGEWOOD, NJ - While New Jersey residents remain mostly opposed to a proposed expansion of casinos outside of Atlantic City, recent information shows they are warming up to the idea.

Results from the most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind shows that 50 percent of people oppose the idea of casino expansion, while 42 percent of respondents said they are in favor.

The survey was conducted by calling 902 adult residents at random Jan. 4 through 10. Results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 points.

In June, 56 percent of those surveyed said they were opposed and 37 percent said they were in favor of the idea.

“The public continues to be skeptical, and though opposition is down from levels measured last year, it remains at levels measured in previous years,” said Krista Jenkins, professor of political science and director of PublicMind. “The increased acceptance of expanding gambling outside of Atlantic City may be the result of receiving more clarity surrounding recent legislative efforts to allow gambling expansion in New Jersey.”

Among New Jersey’s youngest residents, those 18 to 34 years old, the numbers have increased as well, from 42 percent saying they were in favor of expansion in June to 52 percent in the most recent survey.

Forty-one percent of men and 33 percent of women were in favor of expansion in June. Those numbers have increased to 47 and 37 percent, respectively, according to the last survey.

“As the details of the legislature’s intentions become known, the public’s opinions will be affected,” Jenkins said. “In addition, gambling interests will launch vigorous advertising campaigns in order to change people’s opinions.”

Three-fifths of the state Assembly and Senate must approve a bill that would change the state Constitution to permit casinos outside of Atlantic City. The bill was already approved last legislative session. If approved, a statewide referendum would be presented to voters Nov. 8, asking them to approve the change.

The casinos could be up and running by 2019 if the referendum is approved. Any new casinos would need to be located at least 72 miles from Atlantic City.