Ten years ago, New Jersey voters rejected a ballot initiative to legalize casino gambling outside Atlantic City, with 77% voting against the plan.
But a new poll conducted for the operator of the Meadowlands racetrack, Jeff Gural, shows that the political landscape appears to have shifted and that voters are willing to consider a constitutional amendment expanding casinos at the Monmouth Park Racetrack and the Meadowlands.
The Global Strategy Group survey shows that voters are willing to consider other options to expand New Jersey’s revenues and stop exporting casino dollars to New York.
More than six-in-ten likely New Jersey voters (61%-33%) indicated that they are ready to vote yes on a casino at the Meadowlands Racetrack to combat newer casinos that are drawing state residents into New York. Support transcended party lines – 64% among Democrats and 60% among Republicans – and did well across all age groups.
A majority of voters (57%) said they would be open to having casinos at Monmouth Park as well.
“Voters recognize the benefits casinos bring to the state, making expansion a helpful solution to some of New Jersey’s budget challenges. 54% of voters agree that casinos have been good for New Jersey overall,” the pollster said in a memo to Gural. “The revenue casinos bring to the state is beneficial, especially with the financial challenges voters recognize the state faces.”
Gural withdrew his financial backing for the referendum after two public polls showed it had little chance of passing: a Rutgers-Eagleton poll in September found 58% of registered voters opposed; later that month, a Stockton University poll said 68% of likely voters opposed the measure.
The 2016 referendum failed in all 21 counties; the rejection ranged from 68.6% in Hudson to 93.6% in Atlantic. Opponents of the public question argued that passage would bankrupt Atlantic City casinos.
Two state senators who represent districts that might potentially host the casinos, Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge) and Majority Whip Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch), have introduced legislation to put the constitutional amendment on the ballot.
To get on the ballot in November 2026, the legislature would have to approve the bill by a supermajority of 60% in each house: 24 yes votes in the Senate and 48 in the Assembly. But if the referendum is approved in two consecutive sessions, only a majority is required.
Last month, a bipartisan group of lawmakers told Gov. Mikie Sherrill that they would mount significant opposition to legalized gaming anywhere but Atlantic City. Global Strategy Group is Sherrill’s pollster.
In a significant development, seven Ocean County legislators signed the letter, signaling a decision to stand with Atlantic County over Monmouth.
The New York Times reported in March that Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office is listening to the proposal but hasn’t committed to a course of action. But nothing can move forward without the backing of Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin.
A proposal sponsored by State Sens. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Montville) and Joseph Cryan (D-Union) seeks a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to permit slot machine gambling at horse racetracks. That bill has been around since 2015, but has never moved out of committee.
The Global Strategies Group poll was conducted between March 2-5 with a sample size of 800 likely voters and a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.