ATLANTIC CITY, NJ—Even as one Atlantic City casino was announcing an ambitious renovation plan this week, State Sen. President Steve Sweeney was telling reporters he will block any plan to bring casino gaming to the Meadowlands.
Speaking at a press conference here, Sweeney said, “As long as I'm alive and I'm the Senate president, we're not moving [such bills]. I made a deal, and my word is good. We'll talk about it after the five years. That's when we would start having a discussion” concerning whether to end Atlantic City's 36-year statewide monopoly on casino gambling.
Sweeney, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, and State Sen. James Whelan were among a number of elected officials who spoke at the Irish Pub near the Boardwalk in support of a state effort to get the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a 1992 federal law limiting sports gambling to Nevada, according to The Record. Federal courts have ruled that a New Jersey's plan to allow sports betting at state racetracks and at Atlantic City casinos violates federal law. See story in The Record.
Also in Atlantic City, the 33-year old Tropicana Casino & Resort unveiled a $35-million renovation plan including a new fitness club, added retail space and updating of 400 hotel rooms. Construction could begin as soon as the third quarter and be finished by year-end 2015.
The plan involves major renovation of the casino's boardwalk façade. The new facade would feature an interactive light and sound show via 20-foot-high light bollards and nine LED screens. The light show would run nightly at timed intervals, with the north and south hotel towers lit in changing colors.
“The new boardwalk façade and interactive light and sound show would extend the excitement and fun guests experience inside Tropicana AC to guests outside on the boardwalk,” said Tony Rodio, president and CEO of Tropicana.
The start of construction on the project is contingent on state and local approvals, including from the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
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