Atlantic City Casinos Ordered To Close
After surviving hurricanes, structural collapse, even mob violence, the Atlantic City casinos have always found a way to keep the action going and the drinks flowing. After all they have been through since gambling was legalized in New Jersey in 1978, it's hard to imagine that it is a budget crisis that ultimately closes their doors.
State Law Makers were given a deadline of July 1 to reach an accord on new budget guidelines at the state's budget talks in Trenton, NJ. Failing to meet this deadline, Gov. Jon S. Corzine ordered all State services closed on Wednesday, July 5.
The closure included ALL State administered services, including beaches, camp grounds, child welfare, State hospitals, the NJ State Police Department, and offices that regulate the State's Lottery and the 12 casinos operating in Atlantic City.
Without a regulatory body to govern the casinos, they have no choice but to close the doors on all gaming venues until further notice. Secondary services, such as restaurants and gift shops, will remain open, but without the gaming floor to draw in the patrons, no one really expects these areas to gain much attention.
The move will ultimately put 15,000 casino workers without a job today, and cost the State of New Jersey $2 Million USD per day in tax revenues.
The only other gaming venue within driving distance is Foxwoods resort in Connecticut. With limited options on the East Coast, it should be interesting to see if a spike in internet gambling emerges from that part of the country.
Sadly, the lack of gambling is only the smallest part of this story. Without a state police force or even basic services available, this is truly a state of emergency for New Jersey, and one we hope to see a peaceful resolution to in coming days.
