North Jersey casino expansion question losing nearly 3-to-1 in new poll

A new poll shows what’s been evident for some time now about a ballot question to allow casinos in northern New Jersey: it’s likely to lose badly.

The Stockton University poll released Friday finds the referendum opposed by 71 percent of New Jerseyans, with 24 percent in favor and 5 percent undecided.

Other polls have shown similar results throughout the year.

Proponents say the new casinos will recapture money gamblers are now spending in neighboring states.

But opponents say it will further devastate Atlantic City and southern New Jersey.

The poll of 678 adults who say they are likely voters was conducted by calling land lines and cellphones from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.75 percentage points.