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Play the New Jersey Lottery's Pick 3 or Pick 4 Instant Match games and win a trip to … Nevada??? Put coins in a machine, pull the lever and win big at … the Meadowlands??? As President of the Southern New Jersey Development Council, a non-profit economic development lobbying organization representing the southern eight counties, I would like to discuss two issues that I find particularly troublesome. The New Jersey State Lottery is offering a 4 day/3 night all expense paid trip to the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in a “second-chance” drawing for all Pick 3 and Pick 4 non-winning ticket holders. And although it appears to be off the table at the moment, legalizing video lottery terminals (slot machines) at the Meadowlands racetrack continues to have strong support from many in the Statehouse, including the Governor. The SNJDC stands in firm opposition to both proposals and will continue working with our elected officials in Trenton to find solutions. In recent years, Atlantic City has seen a renaissance with private investment flowing into the city at a rapid pace. The Tropicana recently completed its $280 million “Quarter at the Tropicana” expansion project; the Borgata is in the midst of a $200 million 500,000 square foot expansion and also has plans for a $347 million 45-story tower; Harrah's Atlantic City just recently announced a $458 million expansion project to begin by summer's end; and many other Atlantic City casinos have plans to make improvements to their entrance canopies along the Boardwalk. Investment in the casino industry is in full-force and I find no reason for the State to enact measures that may prevent future investment in Atlantic City. Pushing business away from New Jersey's main tourist attraction and permitting Video Lottery Terminals in racetracks in New Jersey will do just this. Those who wish to invest in Atlantic City must be able to forecast the business climate in future years. If the State continues to change that climate on a yearly basis, investment will wane. When investment goes elsewhere, the positive impact that the casino industry has had on the entire State of New Jersey will go with it. We simply cannot expect business to invest in Atlantic City without being able to somewhat accurately predict the climate in which their investments will compete. When analyzing this industry it is important to understand the multiplier effect that takes place as a result of its success. This industry continues to strengthen the economy of Atlantic City through its vibrant and revitalized urban area while local restaurants continue to grow and shopping outlets in the heart of the City are flourishing. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, through its 1¼% re-investment tax of casinos gross revenue, finances worthwhile projects across the entire State. To name a few: the Trenton Thunder baseball stadium in Mercer County, The New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Essex County, and the YMCA in Passaic County. The PADD program, a direct beneficiary of casino tax monies, delivered over $375 million in funding for prescription drugs for senior and disabled citizens across New Jersey. $28 million from the casino revenue fund went to other senior medical services and an additional $80 million went to increased disability services. The list goes on, and the message is clear – Atlantic City's premier industry, the gaming industry, is driving economic development. The New Jersey State Lottery's latest marketing scenario has even the most tolerant tourism and economic development representative wondering why, with all of the obvious destinations in our State, from the river to the shore, the mountains to the flatlands of South Jersey, our state officials consider sending lottery participants to Nevada. I find it hard to believe that a suitable destination cannot be found right here within our borders. I realize that difficult choices have to be made as we approach the adoption of a 2006 budget. I also understand that all State agencies and departments are being asked to increase revenue while cutting expenditures. However, does it make any sense to threaten the health of New Jersey tourism and gaming, our two most consistent sources of revenue? The NJ State Lottery should withdraw its promotion of Las Vegas, or any other jurisdiction outside of New Jersey and our elected officials in the southern eight counties should urge Governor Codey and Treasurer McCormac to reconsider the Video Lottery Terminal proposal. It is time our leaders in Trenton stand up and promote all this is good about our great state. Marlene Z. Asselta |
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