Northern New Jersey Casino Push Intensifies After NYC Approvals

Following New York’s approval of three full-scale casinos in New York City, renewed discussions have emerged in New Jersey about expanding gaming beyond Atlantic City, with proposals focused on the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park.

New York regulators gave final approval on December 15 for two casinos in Queens and one in the Bronx, clearing the way for significant commercial gaming expansion in the downstate market. Once operational, the casinos will significantly alter the regional gaming landscape, adding pressure on neighboring states.

In New Jersey, lawmakers and industry leaders argue that the Garden State must act to keep gambling dollars within its borders rather than cede them to newly licensed operators across the Hudson.

Lawmakers Push Constitutional Amendment for Racetrack Casinos

State Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36) has emerged as a central figure in the renewed push. He has advocated for a constitutional amendment that would allow casino gambling at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.

New Jersey’s constitution currently restricts casino gaming to Atlantic City. That means lawmakers must first pass an amendment and then have it approved by voters.

“After we leave the world stage when the FIFA World Cup exits New Jersey, our next focus should be constructing a world-class convention center and casino at the Meadowlands and gaming at the Monmouth Racetrack,” Sarlo said.

He framed the initiative as both an economic imperative and a strategic response to New York’s expansion.

To reach the ballot, an amendment must pass either once by a three-fifths supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature or by a simple majority in two consecutive sessions. Representatives for Assembly Democrats have not commented, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) has not signaled support.

Another proponent for expanded gaming is State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-26). In a statement earlier this month, he argued that New Jersey is “leaving untapped money on the table.” He added that “a racino at the Meadowlands alone would be a game changer for New Jersey taxpayers.”

Pennacchio criticized state leadership for allowing New York to “charge ahead… yet leaders refuse to act.”

Developers & Cost Estimates

At the Meadowlands, a casino development will likely also include a convention center. That could carry an estimated price tag of $2 billion, according to Jeff Gural, who has owned the Meadowlands Racetrack since 2011. The plan also envisions a 1,000-room hotel and other privately developed hotels for a combined cost of $1 billion.

At Monmouth Park, Dennis Drazin, CEO of Darby Development, said the likely developer would be Morris Bailey, who is already advancing hotel and residential projects adjacent to the racetrack. A partner casino operator has not yet been identified, though Caesars currently operates the Monmouth Park sportsbook.

Drazin and other proponents have suggested placing the referendum question on the November 2026 ballot. That would require legislative approval by June 2026 to meet statutory deadlines.

Historical Context

The idea of expanding casino gaming outside Atlantic City is not new. In 2016, voters rejected the idea by a margin of 77% to 23%. At the time, critics argued the proposal was too broad. Also, New York City casino development was not yet on the horizon.

Proponents of the current effort argue that lessons learned from that experience have informed more targeted proposals. They also say the political and economic landscape has shifted dramatically.

Gov. Phil Murphy has repeatedly signaled he is “open-minded” about casino expansion beyond Atlantic City, especially as neighboring states grow their markets.

However, opposition still exists. Atlantic City stakeholders remain cautious. They have warned for a long time that adding gaming up north could cannibalize in-state revenue. This summer marked Atlantic City casinos’ strongest summer in over a decade.

Whether lawmakers are willing to advance the amendment before the 2026 deadline will determine whether New Jersey seriously pursues casino expansion outside Atlantic City for the first time in a decade.