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New Jersey voters continue to oppose expanding casinos outside Atlantic City, according to a new Fairleigh Dickinson University poll.
“People made up their minds about casino expansion a long time ago,” said Dan Cassino, a Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the Executive Director of the FDU Poll. “Unless something dramatic happens, putting the issue in front of voters is going to lead to the same outcome as it did before.”
Under current law, casino gambling in New Jersey is restricted to Atlantic City. Expanding it would require a constitutional amendment, which must pass the state legislature in consecutive sessions and then be approved by voters in a referendum. Such a vote could take place as early as November.
Proposals under consideration would allow casinos at existing racetracks, including the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, in part to compete with new gambling venues in neighboring New York. A similar effort failed decisively in 2016, when 77% of voters rejected expansion.
Last year, Atlantic City’s nine casinos generated $2.89 billion from physical slots and table games. This marked a 2.7% increase compared to 2024, but it remains significantly lower than the more than $5.2 billion generated in 2006—the last year before casinos started opening in nearby Philadelphia.
Results in 2025 were mixed, as only four of the nine casinos saw year-over-year gains from in-person gaming. Meanwhile, new casinos such as Hard Rock, Resorts World, and Bally’s in New York City pose an additional challenge to Atlantic City’s market.
“The only thing that’s changed since last time this was tried is more casinos opening in New York,” said Cassino. “That matters a lot to the folks who want to open casinos, but it doesn’t seem to matter to the voters.”
Support for casino expansion stands at 44%, only a slight increase from 41% in 2016 and 42% in 2014. Opposition remains steady at around 50%.
Opposition is strongest among older residents, with 58% of those aged 65 and above against expansion. Younger voters, including those 30 and under, are also more likely to oppose the measure, with 49% against and 45% in favor.
Regional differences are also evident. Resistance is particularly high in areas near proposed casino sites. In Bergen and Passaic counties, near the Meadowlands, only 38% support expansion, while 56% oppose it. Lawmakers from the Atlantic City region have also led opposition efforts, arguing that new casinos would draw business away from existing ones.
New Jersey Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris) is pushing to expand casino gambling. He introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 31, which would let voters approve slots and table games at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park.
SCR31 requires 30% of tax revenue from these racetrack casinos to support Atlantic City’s existing casinos. Another 7% would fund programs aimed at the city’s recovery and improvement. The bill has stalled in the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee since mid-January. The Legislature’s 2026 session runs through the end of the year.