NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill knows the truth: a freight train with no brakes is barreling toward Atlantic City.
The threat? Three new ‘Vegas-style’ casinos in New York City (Genting, Hard Rock, and Bally’s) and a renewed push for gaming at the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park in North Jersey.
While 17 Pennsylvania casinos have already eroded AC’s regional monopoly, the NYC expansion represents a potential deadly blow.
The Casino Association of New Jersey is ringing the alarm, but City Hall’s internal rot may be the bigger story.
For years, local business leaders have begged for a plan to fix:
- Blight & Crime: Open drug abuse, homeless, social services, cannabis overload.
- Decaying Infrastructure: Dark streets, unpaved main roads, millions in funding waiting to repair Boardwalk.
- Stockton Gap: While the University looks great, adjacent neighborhoods suffer from empty retail, unoccupied dorms, and declining enrollment.
Introduced legislation would allow casinos at two horse racetracks, Meadowlands and Monmouth Park. With New York City casinos coming online soon, officials believe NJ will lose gambling revenue.
Instead of new casinos, NJ should help build Atlantic City into a family resort where gaming is one of a broad array of amenities.
Critics claim that can’t happen. Crime, real or perceived, keeps people away from Atlantic City. Leadership under litigious Mayor Marty Small only makes matters worse.
Young families question safety of their children in local schools managed by Mayor’s wife, LaQuetta Small.
There’s been neglect of investment into the city. We look forward to working with all of you to develop a comprehensive plan to make Atlantic City the destination we all know it can be.
New Jersey last seriously considered allowing casinos outside of Atlantic City in 2016.
Leadership in Turmoil
Trust in Mayor Marty Small’s administration is at an all-time low.
In 2024, the Mayor and his wife, the school superintendent were accused of child abuse, while a high school principal (Days-Chapman) allegedly failed to report it.
Instead of addressing the “sanctuary” status or the unneeded dunes hiding the ocean, the Mayor is prepping to sue taxpayers.
The Verdict
Talk is cheap. With NYC and North Jersey casinos threatening thousands of jobs, AC must transform into a resilient, year-round destination—now. Many believe the NJ state takeover must continue, as the current administration seems more focused on personal legal battles than the “impending meteor” of competition.
Can the CRDA or Meet AC actually save the city, or is Atlantic City’s luck finally running out?
The Threat of NYC Casinos to Atlantic City.
This video provides further context on the legal challenges facing the current administration and how these internal scandals impact the city’s ability to respond to external economic threats.
