Atlantic City Democrats Discuss Future of State Gambling
Written by Matt W | Sunday, August 8th, 2010
A series of three gaming summits have been scheduled by the Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey, with the first being held on Friday. The summits are being held in response to a number of recommendations put forth by NJ Governor Chris Christie which include the official takeover of the majority of Atlantic City by the state. The lawmakers also want to respond to the governor’s plans to eliminate live racing from the Meadowlands race track or privatize both Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
A number of Democrats have already expressed their objection to the plans, and have vowed to do everything in their power to support the tracks, including the direction of tax revenue for this purpose. “We’re the biggest breeder of horses in the country,” said Senator Raymond Lesniak. “That’s something to save.”
As an aside, Lesniak has a bill pending that could see the legalization of online gambling in the state.
Other Democrats who pledged their support for the horse racing industry include State Senator Jim Whelan and Senate President Stephen Sweeney.
However, not everyone is of the same opinion and lawmakers from other parts of the state have differing views on the future of gambling in the state. Some have proposed allowing the appearance of video lotteries at Meadowlands, while others prefer to simply cut off the state subsidy to racing tracks.
And it’s not only the lawmakers who have diverse views. There is no clear cut opinion regarding Governor Christie’s plans to take over parts of Atlantic City. A recent poll found that 48% of state residents opposed the takeover, while 38% supported it.
There is, however, a clear consensus that the majority of New Jersey state residents prefer that gambling activities are kept within the boundaries of Atlantic City. They also prefer the privatization of race tracks.
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· Written by Matt W · Filed Under Poker Gossip · Comments Off
