We’ve written openly and often in this space about casinos and gambling in general, and, for the most part, we have advocated for the support of Atlantic City’s casinos, and expanded gambling offerings such as online gaming and betting on sports.
This time, not so much.
We don’t often bash politicians in this space, either. We’re more of the “thumbs up” kinda guys and gals when it comes to recognizing the work our elected officials put in. They get enough grief for every move they make from other sources.
This time, not so much.
State Sen. President Steve Sweeney, like just about every politician past, president and, most likely, future, is concerned about Camden. He wants to revitalize the city, along with other struggling cities such as Trenton and Newark. His solution, according to a Press of Atlantic City report, is to open casinos in Camden, which he believes might be a better location for gambling than East Rutherford, where gambling dens have been proposed.
He must be joking.
Outside New Jersey, Camden is infamous for being the murder capital of the U.S. Inside New Jersey, its reputation might be even worse.
Sure, casinos can bring significant revenue to an area and, to an extent, help revitalize it. But that just won’t work here, in our opinion.
For casinos to be successful nowadays, there have to be more offerings than just gambling — we’re talking shows, dining, nightlife, spas and shopping. Just look at Atlantic City’s gambling revenue decline versus its increase in non-gambling revenue. It’s obvious.
This can’t happen in Camden.
Wealthier New Jersey residents with disposable income — the ones who can afford to spend lavishly at the comedy clubs, on a massage and on a steak dinner — aren’t likely to flock to Camden to do the same. And out-of-staters? Good luck with that!
The more likely scenario is that a casino in Camden would prey on the already poor residents of the poverty-stricken city, promising a chance at an easy solution but delivering nothing but empty wallets.
Camden isn’t a lost cause. Hard work, determination and, frankly, some luck, could turn the city around … over time. But it will take dedication and smart planning, not a quick fix such as a casino.
What is Sweeney thinking?
