Meadowlands slot proposal reemerges following New York casino approvals

Casino development in New York, including three newly approved licenses in New York City, is prompting New Jersey lawmakers to revisit proposals for gaming expansion in East Rutherford to remain competitive in the regional gambling market.

New York State Gaming Commission officials recently cleared the way for three new casinos — two located in Queens and one in the Bronx. The licensing decision is described by state regulators as the second-to-last step in a process that has taken several years.

News 12 reported that the activity across the Hudson River has revived discussion in New Jersey, where State Sen. Joe Pennacchio continues to advocate for slot machines at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

“New Jersey continues to sit on its hands. Putting a racino in the Meadowlands would generate tons of cash for strapped New Jersey, and I think the taxpayers deserve that to be looked at,” Pennacchio said.

The senator said his proposed resolution aims to involve existing Atlantic City operators in any Meadowlands gambling operations. He has argued that this structure could provide revenue support to both the seaside resort and the state.

“That’s one hole that the state doesn’t have to constantly look at every year during budget time in order to fill,” he said.

According to News 12, Concerns from Atlantic City operators have persisted for years regarding potential impacts of any new gaming locations in the state. Pennacchio said neighboring states have already been competing for customers.

“Atlantic City is complaining they don’t want to be cannibalized by any other efforts in New Jersey. And yet you look at the surrounding states, they’re doing all the cannibalization as we speak right now,” he said.

Any gambling expansion at the Meadowlands would require an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution. The measure must first secure approval from both the Senate and the General Assembly before it can be placed before voters statewide.

Pennacchio’s plan has circulated in different forms in recent years and remains subject to legislative review and public decision-making processes.