A proposed effort to put North Jersey casinos before voters will not make New Jersey’s ballot this year.

The newsletter said a ballot-access timing problem is blocking a mid-decade redistricting question this year. The same problem also prevents a North Jersey casino measure from advancing in time for the November election.

For Atlantic City, that means the state’s current casino setup remains unchanged for now. New Jersey’s in-person casino market is still limited to Atlantic City. No statewide vote on expanding casino gambling to North Jersey is expected this year.

Why the Casino Question Is Off the Ballot

The report said New Jersey’s Constitution requires three months of public notice before voters can consider a proposed constitutional amendment. Ballot questions also must be introduced at least 20 days before a legislative vote. 

The newsletter said no redistricting question had been introduced. An attempt to allow casinos in North Jersey also will not make the ballot this year.

Casino expansion in North Jersey would require voter approval through the constitutional amendment process. This year’s deadline has passed. There is no path for the issue to appear on the 2026 ballot.

What It Means for Atlantic City

The report did not outline any new North Jersey casino proposal for a future ballot. It noted that 77% of the state voted against North Jersey casinos 10 years ago.

For now, that leaves Atlantic City’s nine casinos without a new in-state brick-and-mortar competitor in North Jersey.

The main focus is on redistricting and New Jersey politics. Many questions remain unanswered on the gambling side. Supporters may attempt another push for casino expansion in a later election cycle. However, the shape of any future proposal remains unclear.

Source: As reported by Politico.