New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR36

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature by law to allow establishment and operation of not more than three casinos in Bergen, Essex, or Hudson counties.

Impact

The implementation of ACR36 would modify Article IV, Section VII of the New Jersey Constitution, thereby allowing legal gambling operations outside of Atlantic City for the first time. The revenues generated from these new casinos are proposed to be allocated for funding programs aimed at helping senior citizens and disabled residents, as well as for the development of non-gaming initiatives in Atlantic City itself. Such measures are intended to bolster economic activity and job creation within the state, specifically targeting job and construction opportunities related to the new casinos.

Summary

ACR36, a concurrent resolution in New Jersey, proposes a significant constitutional amendment that authorizes the state legislature to permit the establishment and operation of up to three casinos specifically in Bergen, Essex, or Hudson counties. This amendment seeks to expand the existing legal framework of gambling in New Jersey, which currently allows casinos primarily in Atlantic City. The measure suggests that the legislature will regulate these establishments, including licensing and taxation, similar to the existing regulations for Atlantic City casinos.

Contention

While proponents of ACR36 argue that it will create jobs and stimulate economic growth, critics raise concerns about gambling's impact on communities. Local stakeholders might fear that the influx of casinos could lead to increased problem gambling or the decline of family-friendly environments in these counties. Additionally, there is apprehension over whether the potential tax revenues will effectively benefit the targeted groups—senior citizens and disabled residents—and how it will affect existing Atlantic City revenues. This dual focus on expansion and community welfare marks a noteworthy point of contention within discussions surrounding the amendment.