New Jersey Legislators Oppose Casino Expansion

As reported by the Gloucester County Times: "As lawmakers weigh strategies to ease the burden on New Jersey's taxpayers, a group of legislators has opposed expanding casino gaming to horse tracks in the northern part of the state - a concept repeatedly raised as a way to enhance state revenue.

"But legislators say it would detract from Atlantic City, and the casino industry has long backed that position.

"But last week the world's largest gaming company, Harrah's Entertainment, with four of Atlantic City's 12 casinos and over 40 world-wide, officially opened a harness racing establishment less than 10 miles from Gloucester County in Chester, Pa., with plans to add over 2,700 video lottery terminals - electronic slots.

"…State Sen. Stephen Sweeney, among those who opposed placing additional slots - video lottery terminals - in Monmouth County and other areas that could pull visitors from Atlantic City, said Harrah's Chester will not compete with the dining and entertainment that Atlantic City has to offer…"

2006-09-25