New Jersey lawmakers just dropped two big resolutions that could change the gambling game forever. Senate Concurrent Resolutions 31 and 66 aim to let voters decide if slot machines can roll at the Meadowlands Racetrack in East Rutherford. This push comes as New York ramps up casinos right across the border, threatening to siphon away jobs and cash from the Garden State.
Lawmakers in Trenton introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 on January 13, 2026. This bill seeks a constitutional change to allow slot machines at horse racetracks across the state. If voters approve it, the money from these machines would fund state retirement systems, help Atlantic City casinos, improve the shore town, and boost horse racing.
The core idea here is to spread gambling revenue beyond Atlantic City for the first time in decades. Sponsors like Senator Joe Pennacchio, a Republican from Morris County, say this move could save fading racetracks. The Meadowlands, once a powerhouse for horse racing, has struggled as betting shifts online and to other spots.
SCR 66 builds on that by targeting full casino games at both the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park in Oceanport. Both resolutions need votes in the legislature before hitting the ballot, likely in November 2026 if all goes smooth.
These bills sit in early stages right now. They have cleared initial hurdles but face committee reviews soon.
New York Casino Wins Ignite Border Rivalry
Just across the Hudson River, New York made waves in December 2025. The state gaming commission handed out three casino licenses to operators hungry for the New York City market. Bally’s snagged one for a spot in the Bronx at Ferry Point Park, promising a massive hotel and gaming complex.
Hard Rock International grabbed another for a site in Queens near Citi Field, rebranding it as Metropolitan Park. Resorts World NYC, already running at Aqueduct Racetrack, got the nod to expand its operations big time.
New York’s bold step has lawmakers in New Jersey on edge, fearing lost business. These casinos sit just miles from northern New Jersey towns, easy drives for locals who might skip Atlantic City. Officials predict the projects could pump billions into New York’s economy, with tax revenues hitting education funds hard.
Resorts World plans to open parts as early as spring 2026. Bally’s and Hard Rock aim for 2030, but construction starts soon. This timing hits New Jersey at a vulnerable moment, as racetracks like the Meadowlands see attendance drop.
One key worry is revenue leakage. New Jersey bettors already cross state lines for better odds, and full casinos in New York could make it worse.
Economic Promise for Racetracks and Jobs
Bringing slots to the Meadowlands could revive a key venue. The racetrack, home to harness racing since 1977, draws crowds for events but needs fresh income streams. Slots, often called racinos in other states, have boosted tracks in places like Pennsylvania and Delaware.
A 2025 report from the American Gaming Association shows casinos nationwide support over 300,000 jobs. In New Jersey, Atlantic City alone drove $3.3 billion in revenue last year, employing 23,000 people. But that cash stays mostly in the south, leaving northern areas out.
Experts estimate slots at the Meadowlands could add up to 2,000 jobs and $200 million in annual taxes. This figure comes from a study by the state comptroller’s office in late 2025, based on similar setups nearby. Funds would split between track upgrades, state pensions, and Atlantic City aid to ease monopoly fears.
Here’s a quick look at potential benefits:
- Job creation in hospitality and gaming.
- Boost to horse racing purses, attracting top talent.
- Tourism draw for East Rutherford and beyond.
Proponents argue this keeps money in New Jersey pockets instead of letting it flow to New York.
| Casino Project | Location | License Length | Expected Opening | Projected Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bally’s Bronx | Ferry Point Park, Bronx | 15 years | 2030 | 1,500+ |
| Hard Rock Queens | Near Citi Field, Queens | 20 years | 2030 | 2,000+ |
| Resorts World NYC | Aqueduct Racetrack, Queens | 15 years | Spring 2026 | Expansion adds 1,000+ |
This table highlights why New Jersey feels the pressure, with New York projects so close and promising big employment.
Challenges from Atlantic City and Critics
Not everyone cheers this idea. Atlantic City leaders worry slots up north will steal visitors from their nine casinos. The shore town’s economy relies on gaming, which bounced back post-pandemic but still faces online betting rivals.
Opposition groups point to social costs like addiction risks. A 2024 survey by the Rutgers Center for Gambling Knowledge found 6% of New Jersey adults face gambling problems, higher than the national average. Expanding access could strain support services.
Lawmakers must balance these views. SCR 31 includes safeguards, like dedicating part of revenues to problem gambling programs. But debates in committees could drag on, with votes possibly delayed to summer 2026.
One single voice from a local business owner sums it up. “We need the jobs, but not at the cost of hurting families,” said a Meadowlands-area shopkeeper in a recent interview.
Environmental concerns also pop up. The racetrack site sits near wetlands, and new builds might need permits that slow things down.
As these resolutions move forward, they highlight a bigger shift in gambling. States compete fiercely for a slice of the $100 billion industry, and New Jersey can’t afford to sit still.
In the end, this fight over slot machines at the Meadowlands boils down to survival in a changing world. New Jersey stands at a crossroads, with New York’s casino boom pushing for bold action that could create jobs, fund essentials, and keep revenue home. Yet the risks to Atlantic City and vulnerable residents linger, demanding careful steps. Voters will have the final say, and their choice could reshape the state’s future for years.
