Gambling news from http://www.courierpostonline.com/
With slot parlors soon to open in Pennsylvania, it's time New Jersey let Atlantic City expand its gambling options.
It now appears that the first Pennsylvania slot machine parlors could open this year.
The gambling competition for Atlantic City -- a vital part of the South Jersey economy -- is creeping closer.
If New Jerseyans and state lawmakers want to see Atlantic City keep a leg up on the competition in surrounding states while bringing needed additional money into state coffers, and they should, Trenton ought to allow gamblers to bet on sports in Atlantic City casinos.
Pennsylvania gambling regulators came to a decision on slot machine distributors Wednesday that could allow for the first slot machines in that state to be up and running before year's end.
Delaware has had slot machines in its horse racing tracks for several years now. And in West Virginia, state lawmakers are discussing allowing table games such as blackjack and poker at racetracks that already have slots.
Atlantic City draws visitors from all these states and others along the East Coast that have allowed or expanded gaming options in recent years.
If Atlantic City is to keep luring visitors from outside New Jersey, it must offer attractions not available at racetracks and casinos in neighboring states.
The wide array of new stores, restaurants and night clubs that have opened in the wake of the Borgata's 2003 arrival and recent expansion are one new draw that appears to be working.
But the city's casinos must also be able to expand their gaming options.
Although federal law allows sports gambling in only four states -- Nevada, Oregon, Montanta and Delaware -- tens of millions of dollars are bet by Americans from all states, including New Jersey, on sports gambling Web sites that are easily accessible.
Also, there are those who believe, including Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, D-Dennis Township, Cape May County, that certain U.S. Supreme Court rulings would clear the way for New Jersey to allow sports betting.
Atlantic City's casinos employ about 44,000 and generate nearly $1 billion in state and local taxes and other obligations. Additional revenue drawn from sports gambling could help alleviate some of the state's financial problems.
If New Jerseyans and state lawmakers want to see Atlantic City continue to grow and lure the millions visitors who fuel the South Jersey economy, it would be wise for the Legislature to begin what could be the long legal process of allowing sports betting in Atlantic City's casinos.
Residents who want to see this happen should contact their representatives in Trenton and urge them to act.
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