Murphy Open to Casinos Beyond Atlantic City Amid NYC Threat

Summary:

• Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s “open-minded” about casinos in North or Central Jersey.
• The move would retain gambling and tourism dollars as NYC plans new casinos.
• Murphy emphasized the need to assess the impact on Atlantic City before any call is made.

As New York inches closer to opening up to three new casinos near New York City, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says he’s keeping an “open mind” about expanding gambling beyond Atlantic City in an effort to keep tourism dollars from flowing out of state.

In an interview with The Press of Atlantic City on Wednesday, Murphy acknowledged the potential consequences of such a move for the state’s flagship gambling hub, but said his priority is protecting New Jersey’s financial interests.

I have historically liked the notion that if it’s a zero-sum question between New York and New Jersey, I want the gaming dollars and the tourism and everything that goes with it on the New Jersey side, for sure. But I’m also conscious of what the impact would be on Atlantic City, as I have been since Day One.

“We’re in the Sweet Spot”

The governor’s remarks come at a time when Atlantic City is entering its peak season, with the boardwalk getting crowded and hotels gradually ushering in their guests. Murphy made a point to acknowledge the current momentum that the city is enjoying.

As we meet in June, we’re in the sweet spot, This place is humming. I don’t want to lose those dollars out of New Jersey, so I have to color myself open-minded, but with a very clear caveat that I need to understand how all of this impacts Atlantic City.

The proposal to carry casino gambling across the borders of Atlantic City has sparked a lot of controversy in the last few years. Back in 2016, 80% of New Jersey voters said no to a ballot measure that would have enabled casinos to rise in the northern part of the state.

However, in the context of neighboring New York getting ready to grant licenses to brand new downstate casinos, concerned voices are speaking up about the risk of Atlantic City potentially losing a significant part of its customer base.

The North Jersey and the New York metro areas would be the first to suffer from NY’s move.