Lawmakers may delay North Jersey casino vote

TRENTON - Lawmakers are considering waiting until next year to try to expand gambling to North Jersey.

Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D., Gloucester) first signaled support for the idea last summer, arguing that revenue generated by North Jersey casinos could be shared with Atlantic City to help revitalize the decimated resort.

The state constitution restricts gaming to Atlantic City, so the move would require an amendment passed by the Legislature and approved by voters.

Lawmakers could put a gaming measure on the ballot in November. But with General Assembly elections at the top of the ballot, lawmakers do not expect strong voter turnout.

"The reality is, we're going to have a low-turnout election," Sweeney said Tuesday. "So do you do it this year or next year? That's the debate, because you want it to pass."

Under the state constitution, if a majority of voters do not approve an amendment, lawmakers have to wait two years before another attempt.

Sweeney said lawmakers were debating where in North Jersey to expand gaming. The idea faces opposition from a number of Atlantic County legislators.

Sweeney also said Tuesday that he expected a package of bills intended to stabilize Atlantic City's finances would become law by the time the fiscal year ends June 30.

The legislation would exempt Atlantic City's eight casinos from paying property taxes for 15 years and allow them to collectively pay $150 million a year for two years and $120 million annually for the next 13 years.

The legislation, introduced last year, has been stalled for months. Sweeney has said he would not post the bills for a vote until Gov. Christie says he would sign them.

"I can tell you we'll get the bills done, and we'll get them done before we leave in June," he said, adding that there were a lot of "moving pieces."