Congressman Van Drew has expressed his readiness to oppose the recent legislative efforts by Democrat State Senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo. These legislators have introduced a proposal aimed at expanding casino gaming to Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetracks in North Jersey.
Van Drew recalled previous attempts to introduce casinos in North Jersey, saying, “A decade ago, we were told that North Jersey casinos were inevitable and that those of us here in South Jersey should just lie down, play dead, and cut the best deal we can.” He emphasized that South Jersey residents did not accept this outcome.
Highlighting the economic implications for South Jersey, Van Drew stated, “The stakes were too high. We could not allow our local economy to lose up to half a billion dollars annually or, more importantly, 15,000 of our friends and neighbors to lose their jobs.” He credited their efforts with defeating the 2016 referendum on casino expansion outside Atlantic City.
Van Drew affirmed his commitment to opposing any future attempts at similar expansions: “Make no mistake—we defeated North Jersey casinos once, and we stand ready to do so again because South Jersey is always worth fighting for, and I will never back down when it comes to protecting our people.”
