Despite its recent investment in Atlantic City, Hard Rock has confirmed that it is still interested in developing a North New Jersey resort. The confirmation comes from the firm’s CEO, Jim Allen. However, currently casinos are not permitted outside of Atlantic City, so despite the interest, Hard Rock cannot do anything at this time.
Hard Rock has reaffirmed its commitment to a North New Jersey, despite ts recent $500 billion investment in Atlantic City
Hard Rock Still Wants North New Jersey Casino
Hard Rock entered a partnership with Meadowlands Racetrack several years ago when a ballot was put forward to voters. The ballot would have ended the casino monopoly held by Atlantic City and allowed casinos to be built in other areas of the state. The Meadowlands track is located near New York City, just across the Hudson River.
The ballot would have allowed two new casinos to be built in New Jersey, provided they were at least 72 miles away from Atlantic City. However, despite the potential benefits for the state, the ballot did not find favour with the public, and 77% of voters rejected the idea. Two years have passed since the rejection, which means it can be put forward again.
Odds of North New Jersey Casino Long
Should the public vote differently if it is put forward again, Hard Rock remains very interested in constructing a casino resort. Even after its $500 million investing in Atlantic City, the firm is still interested in investing further in New Jersey. Many are waiting to see how the new casinos in the city will affect the industry. Overall, gross gaming revenue has been down nearly 5% during the first part of 2018.
New casinos in other parts of the state could further hurt Atlantic City operation, but the odds of a North New Jersey casino seem rather long at the moment. The state’s Senate president, Stephen Sweeney, recently said that he didn’t see the issue coming up again, as it was crushed when the public voted on it.
