January 12th, 2011 – by Glen Farmer
On Monday night, a series of bills had been passed in New Jersey, the lot of which contended with changes in the casino gambling industry. One of the most important bills passed on Monday was a piece of legislation that would direct $30 million to the racing industry in the state over the course of the next three years. These funds would be directed toward the newly created New Jersey Racing Commission, according to reports.
The bill, which requires the signature of Governor Chris Christie to move forward, will give $15 million in 2011 to go to the racing industry, followed by $10 million in 2012 and $5 million in 2013. The Atlantic City Casino District will ship the money directly into the racing industry.
How the money will be distributed to the race tracks is currently unknown, as is how the casinos will contend with coughing up a collective $30 million when revenue is already suffering.
These cash distributions would, to some extent, replace government subsidies that currently redirect to the ailing racetracks in the state.
The gambling industry in Atlantic City on a whole has been ailing, with reduced spending in the casinos. Over the year of 2010, revenue was down over 9 percent from the year previously, which is a decline of a decline.
Other proposals have also been issued for the Atlantic City casino revenue.