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New Jersey Governor Surprised at VLT Opposition

NEW JERSEY – As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer: "Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey had believed that Atlantic City casinos were "on board" with his proposal to allow video slot machines at the Meadowlands Racetrack in exchange for "a slice of the action," he said yesterday.

"But after Codey announced his proposal this month, the casinos and South Jersey legislators opposed the plan in a show of solidarity that could doom his effort to help the horse-racing industry while generating state revenue.

"…As part of the agreement, the casinos would get roughly $125 million a year to mitigate any losses from gamblers' taking a detour to the North Jersey track, he said.

"Audrey S. Oswell, president and chief executive officer of Resorts Atlantic City and head of the Casino Association of New Jersey, said that there had been talk of slot-machine options that were "a little more palatable" than what is now being proposed, but that there had been no consensus.

"…Both sides say discussions are continuing. Another meeting is set for this week, Oswell said.

"An even greater obstacle for Codey's proposal may be opposition from the leaders of his own party in the Legislature.

"…In his budget, Codey proposed allowing 1,500 to 2,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) - which would play like video slots - at the Meadowlands to raise $150 million in the latter part of fiscal 2006 and much more in subsequent years…"

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