Poll: NJ residents don't want to roll the dice on allowing casinos outside Atlantic City
According to the survey, 50% of voters oppose expanding casino gambling statewide and 44% support it.
More Stories
Lawmakers are once again considering allowing casinos to open at existing racetracks, including the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, in an effort to compete with new casinos set to open in neighboring New York.
According to a Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, 50% of voters oppose expanding casino gambling statewide and 44% support it.
Those numbers are nearly identical to polling results dating back to 2014.
Despite the opposition, some residents News 12 spoke with said they would welcome casinos closer to home.
RELATED: Could a gamble on gaming save New Jersey horse racing?
“It appears like a no-brainer,” Long Branch resident Jeff told News 12. “We do it on the apps. We do it in other venues. Why not have it in a local venue?"
Others were open to the idea but skeptical of potential downsides as well.
“I think it could help the economy,” said Vanessa Perez, of Monmouth County. “I know there are gambling addictions, and hopefully everyone is doing it responsibly.”
This issue hasn't made it to the ballot yet, but New Jersey voters have weighed in before.
In 2016, voters said no to a statewide referendum to expand casino gambling outside Atlantic City. Seventy-seven percent of voters opposed the measure, with just 23% in favor.
