NJ plans vote on expanding casinos beyond Atlantic City
New Jersey plans to let voters decide in November whether to approve two new casinos in the northern part of the state.
State Senate President Steve Sweeney says lawmakers have agreed to seek a referendum on two new casinos in separate north Jersey counties.
The state Constitution currently restricts casinos to Atlantic City and an amendment would be required to allow them in other places.
The most commonly mentioned location for a northern New Jersey casino is at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford, just outside New York City.
Other proposals would locate a casino in Jersey City, Newark, or one of several other northern counties.
The move comes as Atlantic City’s casino market continues to shrink, beset by ever-increasing competition.
Last year, four of the city’s 12 casinos closed.
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