Dear Editor:
I am writing to express my support for the installation of slot machines at racetracks in New Jersey. Clearly, slot machines have an appeal to those who frequent racetracks, as many bordering states generate revenue by way of gaming machines. New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware continue to utilize slot machines as a method for raising revenue for their respective state budgets. New Jersey should not be losing this revenue, as our residents leave the Garden State to play elsewhere.
Furthermore, New Jersey has many attributes that attract residents from other states and it is my contention that visitors would take advantage of the option of playing the slots at racetracks that are so close to other attractions such as New York City and our shore towns.
At this critical juncture when options must be explored to raise revenue for our state, we are foolish not to introduce this proven method for raising revenue to support programs that are vital to New Jerseyans. The economic health of our state needs a jolt and providing slot machines is a feasible method to jumpstart the current condition of our state budget.
In closing, I wish to express that in the upcoming legislative session, I will be exploring initiatives to include slot machines at our racetrack facilities.
Sincerely,
Brian P. Stack
State Senator