BURZICHELLI TO ODDS MAKERS: A.C. GOOD PICK TO HAVE BETTER YEAR THAN VEGAS

Jersey’s Gaming Resort Healthier Than Competitors

(PAULSBORO) – Despite the recent drop in Atlantic City casino revenues, Assemblyman John Burzichelli – chairman of the Assembly Tourism and Gaming Committee – said a look at the numbers from casinos across the country actually show the New Jersey resort doing much better than its competitors.

Burzichelli said the doom-and-gloom scenarios many have painted when they look at Atlantic City’s revenue figures ignore the resort’s ability to weather the global economic storm and emerge as the nation’s leading gaming destination.

“No one can deny the downturn is hurting Atlantic City’s casinos, but our industry is in position to emerge stronger than Las Vegas’ storied strip,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester).

CSG GAMING PANEL CONFIRMS NJ HAS HIT JACKPOT WITH ATLANTIC CITY'S SHIFT TO RESORT DESTINATION

(ATLANTIC CITY) - Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli today said that New Jersey's unique approach to legalized gambling has helped the state avoid or overcome many of the challenges facing other Northeastern states with casino gaming.

GOVERNOR SIGNS WHELAN MEASURE TO KEEP CASINOS AND RACETRACKS OPEN

ATLANTIC CITY – Governor Corzine signed legislation today, sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan, D-Atlantic, which will allow casinos, racetracks and simulcasting operations to stay open for up to seven days in the event of a State government shutdown similar to the crisis caused by the July 2006 budget impasse.

“The 4th of July weekend is primetime for Atlantic City’s economy, with visitors pumping in millions of dollars into hotels, restaurants and casinos in the resort,” said Senator Whelan. “Not only do casino operators rely on the economic activity over the holiday weekend, but dealers, hotel and restaurant employees, support staff, and a whole host of workers in related industries depend upon every penny earned in the busy July month. Under this new law, Atlantic City’s economy will no longer be subject to hijacking based on budget stalemates in Trenton.”

TRENTON –  Senator Jim Whelan made the following comments as the Senate gave final approval to a bill he sponsored in the Senate, A-2471/S-1464, to provide tax breaks to casinos on comps to customers as part of an agreement that casinos would provide $90 million in subsidies to horse tracks in New J

RENTON – A Senate committee today approved separate bills sponsored by Senator Jim Whelan to keep casinos open during a state shutdown and to fund an agreement that would have casinos provide $90 million over three years to support the horse racing industry.

Senator James J. McCullough, (R-2), introduced legislation today which would supersede certain provisions of the Casino Control Act so that employees of casino can run for office in Atlantic City.

Atlantic County Republican chairman Keith A. Davis charged today that a recent campaign flyer sent by Assemblyman Jim Whelan to employees of the casino industry “is an astounding exercise in deceit and deception” for its claim that he has done more for the industry than anyone else.

ADLER-TURNER-VITALE BILL BANNING SMOKING IN CASINOS ADVANCES

TRENTON - A bill sponsored by Senators John Adler, Shirley K. Turner and Joseph F. Vitale which would eliminate the smoking ban exemption for New Jersey casinos and simulcasting facilities was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 35-0.

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES SCHEDULED FOR VOTE IN SENATE TOMORROW

TRENTON - Two measures which would limit New Jerseyans involuntary exposure to second-hand smoke are scheduled for Senate consideration tomorrow, with a media availability with State lawmakers and representatives of NJ GASP (Group Against Smoking Pollution) following the vote.

A.G.: A-3441 WOULD NOT PASS CONSTITUTIONAL MUSTER

            Senator James J. McCullough, (R-2), issued the following statement following the passage of A-3441 by the General Assembly.