When it comes to the idea of erecting a racino at the Meadowlands to compete with neighbouring states, former New Jersey governor and current state senator Richard J. Codey has essentially said that the move is a

'billion-dollar no-brainer.'

Codey's position came to light in an article published in the Asbury Park Press.

According to Codey, 26 gaming facilities -- horse tracks, racinos and casinos -- are generating more than $5 billion a year in three neighbouring states, and “It’s a matter of fairness that we allow New Jersey tracks to compete on a level playing field with out-of-state facilities.”

He proposes that Atlantic City casino interests could get involved in operating racinos in New Jersey, and says simply giving up on the Meadowlands “is tantamount to throwing away hundreds of millions -- if not a billion -- dollars a year, a mistake New Jersey cannot afford.”

(Harness Tracks of America)