NJ Gov. Chris Christie speaking with Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford in July 2010.
Gov. Chris Christie Wednesday signed legislation to allow for two “Boutique” casinos to be built in Atlantic City.
The legislation allows for two casino projects to be built with a minimum of 200 hotel rooms, lower than the 500 now required.
Christie says he signed the bill as part of ongoing efforts to spur Atlantic City’s economy and create jobs.
“This bill will provide a boost to the engines of Atlantic City and the regional economy, bringing badly needed jobs to the area and signaling the re-emergence of world-class entertainment,” said Christie is a press release. “While this is an important step in meeting our commitment to revitalize Atlantic City as a premier destination resort, we have more work to do in laying the foundation for growth in this critical area of our economy.”
Several other measures to help the city are scheduled to be voted on by the state Assembly in coming days including the creation of a state-run tourism district in the city (to be run by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority), allowing online gaming, limited to state residents, and streamlining casino regulations and oversight.
The bill allowing for smaller casinos, S-1866, “revises State law to authorize the Casino Control Commission to issue casino licenses for “small scale” and “staged” casino facilities. These facilities will be permitted to have a minimum of 200 bedrooms, as opposed to the 500-bedroom minimum imposed under current law. Under the law, a small-scale casino can remain at 200 rooms, but a staged casino will be required to expand to a full-scale casino (i.e., 500 rooms) within 5 years.
The bill limits the Commission to issuing a maximum of two new licenses, at least one of which shall be for a staged casino, and licensees will be required to construct new facilities that are adjacent to the Boardwalk, as opposed to rehabilitating existing facilities or building within the Marina zone.”
Hard Rock Cafe International, has already expressed interest in building a $450 million casino in the city if the legislation passed.
The legislation was sponsored by state Senators Whelan (D-Atlantic) and Kyrillos (R-Middlesex, Monmouth), as well as state Assemblymembers Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester), Polistina (R-Atlantic), Amodeo (R-Atlantic), and Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester).
The New York Times, CNN and other major news sources are reporting Tuesday morning, Oct. 4, that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) will not seek the Republican nomination for the 2012 U.S, Presidential election.
Under the boutique casino legislation, the Casino Control Commission can allow two smaller casinos with as few as 200 hotel rooms.
New rules from the DGE eliminate the requirements for table games supervisors such as pit bosses and provide casinos with more flexibility in staffing
The day after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie sent staffers to visit Atlantic City Mayor Langford, the mayor says he doesn't feel much different about the concerns he raised last week and that the ball is in the governor's court now.
I have no idea if Gov. Christie is a Phish fan. But even if he’s not, it’s time for him to go trolling for some money so that the world knows that Phish, which could have played its Halloween shows anywhere, decided to take Atlantic City’s bait.
On a sizzling hot Boardwalk Wednesday Governor Chris Christie did his best to say that the state was looking to help Atlantic City, not take over. “I’m here to extend the hand of partnership to the city,” Christie said. "We are entering into this public private partnership because we have to remake ourselves. We want to make Atlantic City a place where families and businesses want to be and want to come back to again and again.”
Governor Christie, Please do not renege on your promise of no video lottery terminals (VLTs) in New Jersey. You made that promise on my radio show the day before the election and several other times when we spoke over the election process.
The bills create a CRDA run tourism district encompassing the city's casinos.
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