Steve Callender, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ), issued the following statement on behalf of the association regarding the introduction of Atlantic City economic stimulus and relief bills earlier today, S2400 and S2398 in the Senate and A4032 and A4031 in the Assembly:
“The Atlantic City economic stimulus and relief bills are critical to ensure our industry and its thousands of employees have a path forward once we are through this pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest health threat of our lifetime. This crisis has caused an unimaginable loss of life and devastated our state and local economy. Atlantic City casinos and hotels have been closed since March 16, and once we reopen and start to recover, we know that there is a long road ahead of us and our employees. This legislation will help stabilize this vital industry, support the safe reopening of our proprieties, and help us welcome back employees and guests as soon as New Jersey’s stay-at-home order is lifted. This legislation will also help us resume our purchases from New Jersey vendors, as well as the tax payments that are based on casino revenue and employment.
The gaming industry has made significant contributions to the state and local economy over the years. Until the recent closure of our casinos, the New Jersey casino industry directly employed over 26,000 people, hosted more than 25 million annual visitors, and in 2019, paid nearly $500 million in local, county, and state taxes. According to the American Gaming Association, New Jersey’s casino industry annual tax impact to state and local governments is over $1 billion, and its total economic impact across the state of New Jersey is $6.45 billion. We are proud of our track record of giving back to the communities we serve. We are invested in our city, which is why all of our casinos have been making donations to local organizations. Our industry also proudly supports New Jersey businesses by supporting local vendors, donating millions in financial resources and volunteering with local charities.
We urge legislators to recognize the gaming industry’s significant contributions to New Jersey’s economic recovery and pass this economic relief package as quickly as possible.”