Earlier, lawmakers in South Jersey were adamant that Atlantic City’s monopoly on gambling should be unchallenged. Atlantic City used to generate millions in tax revenue, making South Jersey a highly profitable area. Now, however, these lawmakers are willing to allow for the inclusion of laws legalizing online gambling.

All the residents of the state are slowly reaching a consensus – there is no point in allowing the industry to pump money into Atlantic City while establishments like those in South Jersey can benefit from the same. This development is a direct result of the growing competition that they face from states like Connecticut, New York and Philadelphia, all of whom are focusing more on casinos.

Save the Race Tracks

There has been a drastic drop in revenue in Atlantic City, caused by economic crisis as well as the increase in competition from neighboring states. Wagers on horse racing have fallen by 74% (inflation adjusted) in 2025, from when it peaked in 1977. This is based on the information provided by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

To try and prevent the State’s losses, New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie passed legislation this year which allows for the transference of management of Monmouth Park and Meadowlands race courses to private companies. Despite Christie’s staunch opposition to any gambling outside of Atlantic City, his views have not stopped petitions for sports betting, video slots and online gambling at casinos offering games like online roulette in the state.

The State Government (Senate), Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation committee listened to the testimony of horse racing and casino representatives who supported sports wagering. Senator Raymond Lesniak tried, once again, to convince the Governor on the benefits of online gambling. Monmouth County’s Republican Legislators are still trying to persuade Christie to allow lottery (video) terminals outside of Atlantic City. They estimate that from slot machines in Meadowlands alone, they can raise up to $700 million in revenue.

According to Declan O’Scanlon, an assemblyman, the states that border Jersey have other forms of gaming at their race courses. Senator Jennifer Beck and assembly-woman Caroline Casagrande both support the inclusion of slots at the race course.

Special Provisions for Sports Betting

For sports betting to become successful in Jersey, the federal ban which was imposed upon the state in 1992 will have to be removed. The Senate is in the process of drafting legislation which will allow wagering on sports teams (no college teams) at Meadowlands and Atlantic City.

Lesniak brought up legislation which authorized gaming online in Atlantic City and also at an off-the-track betting site. He stated that the bill was altered to make it more acceptable to Christie. The Bill does not allow for establishments like restaurants, bars and hotels to advertise online gambling. This is to prevent these establishments from being seen as unofficial gambling spots. The bill also will give a percentage of profits from casinos, to race tracks. This is with the aim of adding to the meager purses of race courses.

Christie, however, doesn’t believe that the casinos need to support an industry which can't support itself. The horse racing world has already begun to lose fans and no longer has the money to get the top horses for races.

The President of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, Joseph Kelly, stated that he wanted the money generated from sports wagers to go to the casinos. Senator Jim Whelan, the chairman of the gaming committee, said, in return, that he wouldn't get support for his legislation if the money isn't spread out over the State.