Atlantic City casinos have sidestepped a major regional challenge, with New Jersey legislators declining to consider a ballot initiative for a North Jersey casino in the 2026 elections. This decision preserves the longstanding restriction that confines casinos to Atlantic City—a rule in place since a 1976 referendum. Recent legislative sessions in Trenton didn’t yield any momentum for expanding gaming operations to other parts of the state, much to the disappointment of proponents seeking to counter competition from New York City’s new casino developments.
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Legislators Pass on North Jersey Casino Plans
The prospect of introducing casinos in North Jersey isn’t new, but it faced a notable setback when the August 3rd deadline passed without any legislative action on the matter. Unlike some states, New Jersey doesn’t allow for citizen-led ballot initiatives, placing the onus on the state legislature to propose such changes. But this year, there was a push, albeit insufficient, with Senate Concurrent Resolution 66 filed to permit casinos at the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park. However, the resolution didn’t gain the necessary traction. Jeff Gural, who oversees the Meadowlands, expressed both surprise and dismay at the lack of progress. “I was disappointed and truthfully shocked that I wasn’t able to get it on the ballot,” he told NorthJersey.com. But meanwhile, Monmouth Park’s operator Dennis Drazin pointed to challenging budget discussions as a factor in the inaction.
Atlantic City’s Revenue Performance
In 2025, Atlantic City’s nine casinos generated a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of approximately $2.89 billion from their land-based operations. By mid-2026, the city saw a modest 2% increase in GGR, a positive sign though tempered by inflationary pressures. When adjusted for today’s dollar value, the pre-pandemic GGR of $2.68 billion in 2019 would equate to around $3.48 billion, indicating that while the city’s casinos are stable, they aren’t entirely keeping pace with inflation. Atlantic City’s revenue figures are key as they highlight the region’s dependency on casino tourism—a concern if neighboring states enhance their gaming offerings.
Comparative Market Dynamics
The legislative decision to bypass a North Jersey casino referendum reflects broader competitive pressures in the surrounding region. New York City is advancing with major casino projects: Resorts World and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, along with Bally’s in the Bronx. This development pressures New Jersey to consider countermeasures to retain its gambling market share. Analysts have previously pointed out that New Jersey’s cautious approach may stem from concerns over saturating the market and cannibalizing Atlantic City’s established operations. But with New York’s advancements, the debate over expanding Jersey’s gambling footprint will likely resurface.
What’s Next?
For now, Atlantic City retains its exclusive gambling enclave, but the status quo may not last indefinitely. As surrounding markets evolve, New Jersey’s legislature might revisit the North Jersey casino conversation sooner than expected. Any potential amendments to consider changes will require legislative approval with a three-fifths majority, suggesting that any future discussions will need large political support.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
