Coalition Formed To Stop North Jersey Casinos From Being Built

Elected officials, casino union representatives, and South Jersey business personnel announced the formation of a new group Monday dedicated to defeating an attempt to bring casino gambling to North Jersey.

The No North Jersey Casinos Coalition is the first formalized opposition to politicians’ attempts to end the casino gambling monopoly Atlantic City has had for almost 40 years.

Bringing two casinos to North Jersey has been discussed for months. New Jersey voters will get to decide in November whether to end the monopoly by answering a question on the Nov. 8 ballot and build two North Jersey casinos. The Meadowlands Racetrack, Jersey City, Newark, and the American Dream Meadowlands have all been discussed as possible landing spots. The Coalition created a petition asking people to vote no on Nov. 8.

Related: Bill Allowing Casinos In North Jersey Approved

Despite fears from some lawmakers, the state Senate and Assembly voted 34-6 and 54-15 in favor of the bill allowing the question on the ballot. Some have expressed concern that the casinos could further hurt Atlantic City, which has struggled financially since casinos have begun leaving the boardwalk. Four have left so far. Eight remain.

Debra DiLorenzo, chairwoman of the No North Jersey Casinos Coalition and president of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, told The Record that the group is not sure how much radio or television advertising time it would buy to get their message out to the public.

Opponents of the move said in The Record’s report that between 23,000 and 30,000 Atlantic City jobs would be lost if two North Jersey casinos were to be built.

New Jersey voters are split when it comes to casinos heading north.

A recent Mommouth University poll showed that 48 percent of New Jersey residents support and 48 percent oppose the plan.

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