New Jersey bill seeks to expand casino gaming beyond Atlantic City

A New Jersey state senator has introduced a bill that would allow casino gaming at two major racetracks outside of Atlantic City, potentially reshaping the state’s gambling landscape amid rising competition and industry shifts.

Senator Vin Gopal, earlier this month, proposed an amendment to Bill SCR130 that would permit slot machines and table games at Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands racetracks, both located in North Jersey. Currently, such casino operations are limited to Atlantic City under state law.

The provision would allow for casino games outside of Atlantic City. There are no restrictions on games as of yet, which would come at a later date. “Upon approval of this amendment, the Legislature may pass a law prescribing the specific kind, restrictions, and control of operations of such casino games,” the bill states.

Gopal’s legislation includes a proposed tax framework for any new casinos established outside Atlantic City. The revenue would be divided across a range of public priorities: 45% would go toward property tax reduction, 20% to special education aid, 10% to state pension systems, another 10% for cost-of-living adjustments for retired state employees, 10% to bolster Atlantic City tourism, and 5% to support the state’s horse racing industry.

The proposed expansion comes as Atlantic City casinos struggle with increased competition from online gambling platforms. The city’s brick-and-mortar casinos reported a 15% year-over-year profit decline in the first quarter of 2025.

To adapt, operators in Atlantic City invested roughly $200 million last year in entertainment offerings such as dining, lodging, and live events, according to a 2024 industry study.

Any new casinos in Monmouth Park or the Meadowlands would likely need to take similar steps. Analysts say additional investment in non-gaming amenities could be crucial for long-term viability.

The proposal also arrives as neighboring New York prepares to award three downstate casino licenses, with potential sites under consideration in Times Square, Brooklyn, Yonkers, and the Bronx. These projects could draw potential customers away from New Jersey’s racetracks, heightening market pressures.

While advocates say new casinos could enhance tax revenue and boost the state’s horse racing industry, critics warn they could further erode Atlantic City’s dominance as a gambling hub.

The bill faces an uncertain path, with lawmakers expected to debate whether expanded gambling can provide economic benefit without cannibalizing existing operations.