New Jersey, Jan 16: New Jersey lawmakers have reintroduced two contentious measures at the start of the 2026 legislative session, reopening long-running debates over casino expansion and whether smoking should be allowed inside gambling venues.
Both proposals failed to advance in the previous session and must again run the full legislative gauntlet of committee hearings and floor votes in the Senate and Assembly before heading to the desk of Governor Mikie Sherrill for approval or veto.
One bill, Senate Bill 212, would eliminate a longstanding exemption in the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act that permits smoking in casinos and simulcasting facilities, even though smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces across the state. The measure is sponsored by Shirley Turner and Joseph Vitale, and has drawn bipartisan support.
If enacted, the bill would close what sponsors describe as a loophole and impose a comprehensive smoking ban across “35 casinos and casino simulcasting facilities,” including “indoor public places and workplaces which are within the perimeter of casinos and casino simulcasting facilities and accessible to the public for wagering.” The ban would take effect 90 days after the law is enacted.
A separate proposal, Senate Concurrent Resolution 66, seeks voter approval for a constitutional amendment that would allow casino gaming at racetracks, expanding gambling beyond Atlantic City. The measure would pave the way for casino-style gaming at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands.
Sponsored by Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo, the resolution has been referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee. Under the proposal, the Legislature would be granted authority to regulate casino operations at the racetracks, including the scope of games offered and the taxes imposed.
“The types and number of casino games which may be conducted at these racetracks, and the taxes imposed on these games, will be determined by the Legislature by passing a new law,” the resolution states.
The amendment also sets out how new revenue would be allocated, directing 45% toward property tax reductions, 20% to special education aid, and 10% each to the state pension system, cost-of-living adjustments for retired public employees, and Atlantic City tourism. The remaining 5% would be earmarked for the state’s running and harness horse racing industry.
The reintroduction of the two bills underscores the persistent divide in New Jersey over how far to expand gambling and how to balance public health concerns with the economic interests of the casino industry.
