New Jersey Voters Continue to Oppose Casinos Outside Atlantic City

(AsiaGameHub) –   New Jersey voters continue to express disinterest in having casinos located outside Atlantic City, according to a recent Fairleigh Dickinson University poll. Support for such a move stands at 44%, while opposition remains around 50%, showing little change from previous surveys conducted in 2014 and 2016.

Good to Know

• A comparable referendum failed in 2016, with 77% voting no.
• Among voters aged 65 and older, opposition reaches 58%.
• SCR31, the current proposal for racetrack casinos, has been pending in committee since January 13, 2026.

Under current legislation, Atlantic City remains the sole location for legal casinos in New Jersey. Any alteration to this would necessitate a constitutional amendment, requiring approval from both lawmakers and the electorate. If the proposal advances, a referendum could potentially occur as early as November.

New Jersey Casino Expansion Still Lacks Voter Support

Proponents advocate for casinos at existing racetracks, primarily the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, partly to address new competition from New York. However, the poll suggests this argument has not significantly altered public opinion. Dan Cassino, a Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Executive Director of the FDU Poll, stated:

“People formed their opinions about casino expansion a long time ago. Unless something dramatic occurs, presenting this issue to voters will likely lead to the same outcome as before.”

Regional figures also present challenges for those backing expansion. In Bergen and Passaic counties, situated near the Meadowlands, only 38% support new casinos, while 56% are opposed. Younger voters are also not driving the issue; among those aged 30 and under, 45% support expansion and 49% oppose it.

“The only development since this was last attempted is the opening of more casinos in New York,” Cassino added. “While that holds significant importance for those who wish to open casinos, it doesn’t appear to resonate with the voters.”

Atlantic City remains central to the discussion. Last year, the city’s nine casinos generated $2.89 billion from physical slots and table games, an increase of 2.7% from 2024. Despite this, that total remains considerably below the more than $5.2 billion recorded in 2006, before nearby competition began to intensify. In 2025, only four of the nine casinos reported year-over-year gains from in-person gaming.

Senator Joe Pennacchio is still endeavoring to reintroduce the issue through Senate Concurrent Resolution 31. This measure would allow voters to decide on the inclusion of slots and table games at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park. Under the proposal, 30% of the tax revenue from these sites would be directed to Atlantic City casinos, with an additional 7% allocated to fund recovery and improvement programs in Atlantic City. The resolution was introduced on January 13, 2026, and continues to reside in the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.