TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation today approving two "boutique" casinos in Atlantic City, despite saying last month he would hold the bill until other gambling measures were approved. The legislation allows for two new casinos that have a minimum of 200 hotel rooms, a drop from the current 500-room minimum. Hard Rock Cafe has expressed interest in...
Aerial views of Atlantic City casinos and the famous ocean front boardwalk.TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation today approving two "boutique" casinos in Atlantic City, despite saying last month he would hold the bill until other gambling measures were approved.
The legislation allows for two new casinos that have a minimum of 200 hotel rooms, a drop from the current 500-room minimum. Hard Rock Cafe has expressed interest in building a casino on the boardwalk that would be smaller and require approval of the new license.
“This bill will provide a boost to the engines of Atlantic City and the regional economy, bringing badly needed jobs to the area and signaling the re-emergence of world-class entertainment,” Christie said in a statement.
Bill sponsor Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Gloucester) praised the signing.
“If we’re to ensure a strong Atlantic City, we need to provide new gaming products like boutique casinos to entice builders to invest, attract visitors and grow our economy,” Burzichelli said in a statement.
Before Christmas, Christie said he wouldn't sign the bill until the proposed deregulation of Atlantic City measures were approved. Christie called on Assembly members to delay their Christmas vacation by a week to return and approve the bills. The Assembly declined.
The Senate approved the bills by a narrow majority, and they're scheduled for a vote in the Assembly on Monday.
The deregulation has received criticism from lawmakers who helped draft the initial bills, saying the bills will weaken oversight and could lead to corruption and abuse in the casinos.
At a press conference this morning, Christie said he has no concerns about the deregulations creating problems for Atlantic City.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Senate to consider deregulation of Atlantic City casinos
• Gov. Christie says N.J. close on deal for control of Atlantic City casinos
• N.J. Gov. Chris Christie proposes overhaul of gaming industries
• Moody's says proposed changes to Atlantic City's gaming industry won't help slump