Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan joined casino industry leaders and bipartisan elected officials on Tuesday, October 20, to raise concerns about the future of Atlantic City’s casino-hotel industry and the thousands of Atlantic County workers whose livelihoods depend on it.
The news conference, hosted by the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) in partnership with the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, took place at the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park in Egg Harbor Township. Leaders discussed findings from ACEA’s report, The Greater Atlantic City Casino-Hotel Employment Exposure Assessment, prepared by Dr. Max Slusher, ACEA’s director of business development.
Report Projects Significant Job and Revenue Losses
The report outlines growing economic pressures facing Atlantic City’s casino-hotel industry, including competition from New York and the possibility of casino expansion into North Jersey.
Under a baseline scenario accounting for New York casino expansion and other economic factors, the region could lose approximately 5,100 jobs and nearly $815 million in revenue by 2035.
If two additional casinos were approved in North Jersey, at East Rutherford and Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, projected losses could exceed 8,100 jobs and approach $1.3 billion in revenue, representing more than 44% of current casino revenue.
The assessment identifies five primary threats to the industry:
- The shift toward online gambling and sports betting
- New casinos in New York City
- Potential casino expansion into North Jersey
- Persistent inflation
- A proposed $3 billion convention center in the Meadowlands
These concerns come as Atlantic City’s casino-hotel workforce declined to 21,172 jobs in April 2026, its lowest level in nine years.
Nearly 70% of casino-hotel employees live in five Atlantic County communities: Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway Township and Hamilton Township.
Rowan Raises Concerns About Economic Equity
During the news conference, Assemblywoman Rowan emphasized the economic disparity between Atlantic County and the wealthier North Jersey communities being considered for casino development.
“From an equity standpoint, it’s just not fair. The two (counties) in North Jersey, Bergen and Monmouth, are the second- and third-wealthiest in the state. Atlantic County ranks 19th. It is not fair to consider gaming in an already wealthy county that does not need the revenue.”
Rowan’s remarks underscored the importance of considering how casino expansion elsewhere in New Jersey could affect employment, economic opportunity and families throughout Atlantic County.
Bipartisan Leaders Call for Protecting Atlantic City’s Economy
The news conference brought together Greater Atlantic City Chamber President Danielle Norcross, ACEA President and CEO Lauren Moore, George Goldhoff of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City and the Casino Association of New Jersey, Senator Vince Polistina, Assemblyman Don Guardian, Assemblyman William Moen Jr. and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson.
Lawmakers from both parties expressed a united position against expanding casino gambling beyond Atlantic City.
ACEA’s assessment also identifies a stronger convention market as a critical opportunity to support casino-hotel employment and calls for continued investment in Atlantic City’s casino and hotel facilities.
With thousands of local families depending on the casino-hotel industry, the report highlights the importance of protecting existing employment and supporting Atlantic County’s long-term economic stability.
Read More
- The Press of Atlantic City: Casinos, pols: It’s unfair to send Atlantic City’s casino business to already wealthy parts of NJ
- Shore Local News: Atlantic County leaders warn casino jobs face growing threats
- Atlantic County Economic Alliance: Access the Casino-Hotel Employment Exposure Assessment
— Maureen Rowan
Assemblywoman, New Jersey’s 2nd Legislative District