Democrats from the north push for slot machines while those in the south suggest other ways to save the horse racing industry
Trump Plaza, Caesar's and Bally's Casinos can be seen from the beach at St. James Place. EAST RUTHERFORD — Democrats kicked off their gaming summit at the Meadowlands Racetrack, saying it would not simply be a debate between north and south.
“The notion that this is a north/south split, or the notion that this is the casino industry versus the horse racing industry or the gambling industry versus Xanadu is not what we’re about today,” said state Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic). “If we do this right… we will find a way to save and strengthen the horse racing industry, find a way to save and strengthen the casino industry, and at the same time find a way to get Xanadu finished.”
But while lawmakers from both parts of the state said they are committed to saving the horse racing industry, the fault lines between the regions quickly appeared. Democrats from north Jersey pushed for slot machines at the Meadowlands, while those in the south – protective of Atlantic City’s monopoly on casino gambling – suggested other ways the horse racing industry can save itself.
A report endorsed by Gov. Chris Christie and authored by former New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Chairman Jon Hanson suggests several options for the state’s publicly run race tracks, including privatizing them and, in the case of the Meadowlands, ending live racing and using it only as an off track wagering facility.
It does not recommend expanding gaming outside of Atlantic City, and proposes ending a $30 million annual subsidy the casinos pay the horse racing industry to prevent them from lobbying to have slot machines.
“The Hanson report, because it was incomplete, made it into a north/south thing. And to the credit of our senate president, Stephen Sweeney, he brought us under one banner,” said state Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) in front of a passionate crowd of several hundred, some wearing “Save the Meadowlands” t-shirts.
Sarlo went on to point out that much of the debt the Sports Authority has incurred was from projects in Atlantic City.
Speaking in front of a pro-horse racing crowd of several hundred – some of whom were wearing shirts that read “Save the Meadowlands” – state Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) publicly worried he might get booed. But he reminded the audience that Atlantic, Cumberland and Cape May Counties are much more dependent on the gaming industry than North Jersey is on horse racing.
“Just for the folks in this room to understand if that industry fails… in our region of the state.. it is as if you’re removing the pharmaceutical industry or the financial industry,” said Van Drew. “It will devastate this entire region if we internally cannibalize this industry.”
Democrats from both regions did agree that the state should expand who’s allowed to wager on horse races online and should open more off-track wagering facilities – though some suggested that the Sports and Exposition Authority was not moving quickly enough to open more. Currently, there are only three.
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority President Dennis Robinson said the state has only opened three off-track wagering facilities because local communities often oppose them.
Previous coverage:
• Gaming analysts say Atlantic City needs to be refocused, marketed as oceanfront vacation resort
• N.J. legislators slam proposal to sell Meadowlands Racetrack
• Gov. Chris Christie calls for 'bold' changes to N.J. gaming, entertainment industries
• Complete coverage of Gov. Chris Christie gaming industries overhaul