Senator James J. McCullough, (R-1), issued the following statement regarding media reports that New Jersey will study the use of Video Lottery Terminals at the Meadowlands.

 

            “It is outrageous for the state to even consider creating in-state competition to Atlantic City’s gaming industry.  The use of VLTs will cause irreparable damage to the casinos and all of the related industries in South Jersey.

 

            “It comes as no surprise that the two chief advocates of this monumentally bad idea are Trenton Democrats looking to add more money to the state coffers.  Atlantic City’s casino industry is the economic engine for the entire region, the kingpin for New Jersey nearly $40 billion tourism industry and a primary contributor to the PAAD, the Lifeline, programs for seniors.

 

            “Even the State Treasurer, a member of their own party, said he didn’t know if the revenue figures were ‘realistic.’ The treasurer continued ‘I certainly wouldn't want to rush to the conclusion that because people have put VLTs in Yonkers that we necessarily make things better for Atlantic City by putting them into the Meadowlands.’

 

            “I am also deeply troubled by an analysis from the Spectrum Gaming Group that states ‘Vlts  at the Meadowlands would force New Jersey to adopt competing public policies; promoting the continued development of Atlantic city vs. promoting video slots at the Meadowlands. Meadowlands slots would siphon off a significant slice of revenue from Atlantic City’s core markets in northern Jersey and the New York metropolitan area’.�