LAWMAKERS CALL FOR GAMING SUMMIT TO FIND ‘GLOBAL SOLUTION’ FOR STATE’S TROUBLED INDUSTRY
Would Work Towards Constitutional Amendment to Maximize Revenues from All Gaming Sources, Ensure Reinvestment in Atlantic City, Tourism
TRENTON – A group of Senate and Assembly leaders Thur., June 17 called for a “gaming summit” to craft a constitutional amendment that would include comprehensive solutions for maximizing revenues to ensure the long-term viability of the state’s struggling gaming and entertainment industries.
Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, Senators Raymond J. Lesniak, Jim Whelan and Jeff Van Drew, and Assemblyman John Burzichelli said the effort would bring together lawmakers, industry leaders and policy experts.
Lesniak said that in order to focus on the comprehensive effort, he will hold his current constitutional amendment (SCR-49) to allow for consideration of a broader constitutional amendment by the gaming summit to be placed on the ballot this November.
The lawmakers said absent such a solution, New Jersey will continue to lose revenues to out-of-state casino competition and attendance at the state’s three horse-racing venues will continue to stagnate.
“Casinos and racetracks are more than just places to spend a day and wager a few bucks – they are major employers,” said Van Drew (D-1st). “Fixing what’s wrong with New Jersey’s gaming industry isn’t just about bringing in more revenues. It’s also about ensuring secure jobs for thousands of New Jerseyans and protecting the quality of life for entire communities.”
The call comes two weeks before the reporting deadline for a gubernatorial commission charged with seeking ways to maximize the state’s horse-racing and casino industries. Created by executive order on February 3, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Gaming, Sports and Entertainment is currently undertaking an exhaustive review of the state’s entire gaming industry. Its final report – due June 30 – is directed to include recommendations for “a comprehensive, statewide approach regarding the issues and financial needs of New Jersey’s gaming, professional sports, and entertainment industries.”
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