(ATLANTIC CITY) – Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) released the following statement Monday ahead of the summit meeting called to address Atlantic City’s future and gaming in New Jersey. Prieto welcomed the Attorney General’s Office move today to allow casinos and racetracks to operate sports pools without fear of criminal or civil liability:
“We’ve desperately needed innovative ideas to keep New Jersey’s gaming industry competitive, not only at Atlantic City casinos, but at our racetracks. That’s why the Assembly supported this move in June, and that’s why I welcome it now. This is an opportunity to jump start Atlantic City and the gaming industry and generate new revenue for our state. Those are all positives.
“New Jersey made a commitment to Atlantic City, but the shifting landscape amid the gaming industry means Atlantic City – and New Jersey – must evolve too. We cannot sit idle while thousands of residents lose their jobs and a key revenue source – especially for our senior and disabled residents – fades.
“The Assembly has been on the forefront of finding ways to expand gaming while restoring Atlantic City as a major hospitality, entertainment and tourism center of the Eastern United States. We look forward to a continued discussion and embracing this opportunity to create a new and better Atlantic City, which will mean a stronger New Jersey for everyone.”