In the US, New Jersey legislators are reportedly close to agreeing on a bill that would allow for a referendum next November to approve casinos in the northern part of the state.
Supporters of north Jersey casinos in the legislature are trying to get a bill passed before the end of the year, since a constitutional amendment only needs a simple majority vote if approved in two consecutive legislative sessions.
If the plan was voted on just once next year, it would need three-fifths majority approval in both the House and Senate. Support for casinos in north Jersey has grown in the last year, with Governor Chris Christie saying he supports the referendum.
Hard Rock and Meadowlands operator Jeff Gural want to build a major casino at the Meadowlands racetrack just outside New York City. Jersey City, which is located right across the river on the other side of New York City and within less than 20 miles of Meadowlands, has also been cited as a potential location.
Any casino in north Jersey would have a monopoly on the Big Apple for several years, as New York’s moratorium on casinos in the region doesn’t expire until 2022.
Source: Fantini’s Gaming Report
