New Jersey Sets Standard for Responsible Gaming Amidst Rising Regional Competition

Gov. Mikie Sherrill spoke at the 29th annual East Coast Gaming Congress. The event ran April 14-15 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. She talked about New Jersey's 50-year track record in casino oversight, calling it a blueprint for smart, data-informed gaming practices that protect players.

"50 years ago, this fall, casino gambling was legalized here. 50 years ago, next year, the Casino Control Act was signed. It set the standard for the kind of tough, fair regulation that has made New Jersey a leader in traditional gaming. And in the gaming industries of the future. And in the kind of data driven, responsible gaming that protects all of our interests long term," Sherrill said, according to NJBIZ.

Executives gathered with regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders across two days. Casino operators mingled with sports betting representatives and iGaming decision-makers. The conference theme, "Gaming in Transition," sparked talks about rules, rivalry, and new ideas changing the business.

Sherrill laid out numbers during her Wednesday speech. The sector pulled in $1.1 billion through taxes in 2025. It created 22,000 jobs and now employs 1 in 10 workers throughout Atlantic County. Since 2021, companies have poured $1.2 billion into building upgrades and spent over $600 million buying from local suppliers.

The Casino Revenue Fund has collected $13 billion. That money goes to seniors and people with disabilities. Sherrill talked about her plans to boost growth, keep costs down, and stay competitive as nearby states push into the market.

She knows New York wants a piece of the action. But she's thinking bigger. Her goal? "Growing this town and the surrounding region in a way that lifts all boats."

"Atlantic City is the most iconic city in New Jersey, the No. 1 most recognized town in our state. The full experience. The beach, the boardwalk, the shows, the history, the magic, and especially the full ecosystem that you have built. It cannot be beat," Sherrill said.

Prediction markets worry many at the conference. These trading platforms are gaining ground fast, reshaping how people bet without following the same strict rules that bind traditional operators.