Some things never change. Among them is the firm stance against gambling beyond Atlantic City that the people of New Jersey, US, have been expressing for 10 years. According to the latest survey from Fairleigh Dickinson University, “voters still oppose casino expansion.”
“The Same Outcome”
Despite renewed political interest in allowing casinos at new locations, including racetracks like the Meadowlands and Monmouth Park, voter sentiment has barely shifted in the last decade.
The latest poll has shown that 49% of respondents firmly oppose expansion, while 44% are in favor, a gap that has remained largely unchanged since similar surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2016.
“People made up their minds about casino expansion a long time ago,” said Dan Cassino, a Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
“Unless something dramatic happens, putting the issue in front of voters is going to lead to the same outcome as it did before,” added Cassino, who is also FDU Poll’s executive director.
Casino gambling in New Jersey is currently limited to Atlantic City, and any change would require a constitutional amendment.
That process involves approval by the state legislature in consecutive sessions, followed by a public referendum. Lawmakers are considering putting the question back to voters as early as November.
“Older Voters Remember”
However, history suggests that the outcome may already be predictable. A 2016 referendum on casino expansion was overwhelmingly rejected, with 77% voting against the proposal and only 23% in support. The latest figures indicate little has changed since then.
Opposition is particularly strong among older voters. According to the latest poll, 58% of those aged 65 and over are against expanding casinos, compared to 38% of supporters. Even among younger voters, support does not reach a majority, highlighting a broad reluctance across age groups.
“Older voters remember the commitment that casinos were only ever going to be in Atlantic City, and they’re holding the state to those promises,” Cassino added.
Regional differences are also highly visible, with the highest resistance recorded in those areas that could possibly host new casinos, including Bergen and Passaic counties, near the Meadowlands.
Lawmakers who stand for Atlantic City and the surrounding areas have also pushed back, issuing warnings regarding the way new casinos could potentially hurt the existing market.
On the other hand, supporters believe that an expansion of gambling could help New Jersey compete with neighboring states, particularly as new casinos make their way into New York. Still, the latest data suggests that these economic arguments have yet to sway public opinion.
In the meantime, residents seem to have different priorities, favoring a bill that could allow them to use plug-in solar panels on balconies or porches, says the same survey conducted between March 20 and March 28, 2026, by Braun Research of Princeton, New Jersey.
Some things never change. Among them is the firm stance against gambling beyond Atlantic City that the people of New Jersey, US, have been expressing for 10 years. According to the latest survey from Fairleigh Dickinson University, “voters still oppose casino expansion.” “The Same Outcome” Despite renewed political interest in allowing casinos at new locations,