Democratic Leaders Push Ahead With Atlantic City Gambling Reform

Democratic leaders received criticism after their first gaming summit earlier this month regarding the Atlantic City casino gambling industry. Despite the criticism, the lawmakers are moving forward with the second of three planned summits.

The second meeting is scheduled for September 10th at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. While the first summit focused on AC casino gambling, the second will also include the state's horse racing industry. It is an area that may also create controversy.

The first summit was widely considered to be a partisan effort, with Republicans being nowhere to be found. It is not yet known whether Republican leaders who represent areas where horse racing is prevalent will be invited to speak at the meeting in September. The racing industry is in desperate need of help in the aftermath of the recession.

"Whatever the group of Democrats come up with to help the ailing gambling industry in New Jersey, eventually the Republican lawmakers will have their say," said Gaming Analyst Steve Schwartz. "To overhaul the gaming policies in place in the state will take a bi-partisan effort."

The Atlantic City casino industry has suffered greatly during and after the recession. The industry not only has lost customers to the economic climate, but also has lost ground to neighboring states. Pennsylvania has been the biggest competition for New Jersey, with Pennsylvania lawmakers adding table games earlier this year.

Among the proposals being considered at the summit is allowing racetracks to add slot machines. Another issue being discussed is the state becoming more involved in the Atlantic City casino industry. The casinos themselves are pushing to keep the state away.

August 28, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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