New Jersey Appeals Ruling Blocking Casino Tax Relief

The Garden State is contesting an August 29th judicial decision that halted legislation intended to aid Atlantic City gambling establishments. The state petitioned the court to allow the law to take effect during the appeals process. The legislation modifies casino tax obligations, but Judge Michael Blee deemed the alterations unconstitutional due to their execution. New Jersey contends that obstructing the law during the appeal will severely damage Atlantic City’s financial standing. An organization advocating for businesses, the Liberty and Prosperity Association, concurred with Judge Blee’s ruling. They assert that the state hasn’t demonstrated that providing tax relief to casinos genuinely benefits the broader economic well-being of Atlantic City.

Concurrently, Gaming Enforcement Division Director, Christopher Glaum, stressed that if the court invalidates the amendment, the prior legislation would be reinstated. This could result in a decrease in reinvestment within casino resort properties, mirroring the period between 2009 and 2017. Such an outcome would carry substantial economic and societal consequences not solely for Atlantic City, but for the whole state.