Battle To Begin Monday Over Casino Expansion In Atlantic City

The Atlantic City casino industry is struggling mightily and all parties involved are looking for ways to revive the areas top industry. Senator James Whelan believes he has a solution.

On Monday, Whelan will introduce legislation that, if approved, would add four new casinos to the city. They would not be as big as existing casinos, but still the plan is being met with resistance.

The existing casino owners will argue that new casinos would mean new competition at a time when revenue is already down. They believe that additional competition could bankrupt some of the current properties.

Supporters, however, argue that additional casinos would inspire gamblers to come to Atlantic City and rejuvenate the casino industry. They also would provide more stability in the fight against neighboring states.

Pennsylvania is making a strong push to become the gambling capital of the Northeast. In December, Pennsylvania casinos had higher slot revenue than AC casinos. Pennsylvania lawmakers have also legalized table games earlier this year.

Delaware, New York, Maryland, and even Massachusetts have all considered expanding their gambling options, placing even more pressure on New jersey to step up their efforts. Atlantic City and Las Vegas, once considered the top gaming destinations in the US, have both been hit hard by the economy in recent years.

One of the main issues being brought up by opponents of the plan is hotel rooms. All of the existing casinos had to build a certain amount of rooms, and the legislation being proposed Monday would allow new casinos to be built with a smaller room requirement.

March 20, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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