MEADOWLANDS – The Meadowlands Racetrack site has been proposed as a location for a new Hard Rock Casino. Detailed plans were made public at a press conference attended by numerous state and local lawmakers on Wednesday, June 3.
Currently, gambling is not allowed in New Jersey outside of Atlantic City. A statewide referendum would be required to allow gaming elsewhere in the state. A broad range of state and local politicians gathered for the press conference overwhelmingly supported placing a referendum on the November ballot to more the project forward quickly.
“With its close proximity to an international airport, the new casino would be designed to attract visitors from not only the 14 million adults in northern New Jersey and New York City, but also international travelers, making it a premier entertainment destination,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. “The significant tax revenue brought into New Jersey could go directly to aid in the development and reconstruction of Atlantic City’s casino and hotel industry.”
The proposed Hard Rock Casino would feature 5,000 slot machines and 200 gaming tables, along with 10 restaurants and four bars. According to Jeff Gural, chairman of Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, who invested $120 million in the Meadowlands in 2012, phase one of the entertainment complex could be open as soon as summer 2016.
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