Senator Jeff Van Drew sent a letter to Governor Christie urging him to reject any proposal to allow video lottery terminals at racetracks in New Jersey , warning that such a move would devastate New Jersey ’s already struggling casino industry. The letter is in response to recent published reports detailing a proposal submitted to the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Gaming, Sports and Entertainment by a group that wants to add 5,000 video slot machines to the Meadowlands racetrack in exchange for paying the state $600 million. Submission of the plan to the advisory panel by Global Enterprises Meadowlands group has prevented its public inspection.
Senator Van Drew acknowledged the state’s racetracks deserve attention. He said he would work with the governor on initiatives to sustain them; however he would not do so at the expense of the casino industry. “While the casino industry is challenged, installing VLTs at racetracks would certainly put a knife in the heart of it,” Van Drew wrote to the governor. “In the interests of my constituents in South Jersey, and of the residents of the entire state of New Jersey , I will strongly oppose VLTs at any location outside of Atlantic City . I urge you, respectfully, to reject any such proposal.”
