Taj Mahal closure could sway North Jersey referendum

Casino closure could be used by both supporters and opponents of NJ casino expansion debate.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith the announcement of the closure of Atlantic City’s Trump Taj Mahal on 5 August, the fifth Atlantic City casino to close its doors in the past two years, the news looks likely to be used to by partisans on both sides of New Jersey’s casino expansion debate.

The casino is set to close its doors less than a month before New Jersey voters go to the polls in November to vote on whether to authorise two new casinos near New York City.

Proponents of the proposed expansion argue that Atlantic City’s casino industry and wider economy needs a boost from outside the city which could be provided by two new casino complexes in North Jersey.

“The pending closure of the Trump Taj Mahal should serve as a wake-up call for Atlantic City officials to take advantage of the benefits of casino expansion,” said Sen. Paul Sarlo who represents the Meadowlands district.

“Expanding New Jersey’s gaming sector to North Jersey will provide financial resources so that Atlantic City can invest in economic expansion. The city has the opportunity and the ability to become a destination resort that doesn’t rely on casinos alone,” he added.