Recently elected New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has taken command of one of the top gaming markets in the U.S., facing intense competition right from the start.
In December of the previous year, New York’s gaming regulators issued three new casino licenses that had long been anticipated by stakeholders in New Jersey and Atlantic City. As newly elected Governor Mikie Sherrill settles into her role, discussions about the state’s next moves are becoming more serious.
Sherrill, who succeeded Phil Murphy— a strong advocate for gaming— remained mostly silent on gaming matters during her campaign. Recently, she has engaged with local leaders and the media about New Jersey’s gaming landscape and is expected to take on a more proactive role as her term progresses.
On March 3, Sherrill visited Atlantic City to confer with local leaders, including Mayor Marty Small. According to a press release, they discussed essential topics such as “consistent property tax relief for Atlantic City homeowners, the redevelopment of Bader Field, enhancements along Atlantic Avenue, and youth and senior program expansions.”
Competition from the Big Apple
Sherrill elaborated on New Jersey’s gaming industry and the upcoming introduction of casinos in New York City in an interview with the Press of Atlantic City. She emphasized the necessity for local and state officials to collaborate to confront New York casinos and retain economic growth and jobs within New Jersey. She stressed the importance of fostering a more united and “resilient” Atlantic City economy.
She remarked, “There’s a wealth of opportunities, but the current situation feels fragmented. It appears that numerous competing interests exist rather than a shared vision aimed at benefiting everyone.”
A Fragmented Industry in New Jersey
One of Sherrill’s significant challenges lies within an industry divided on various issues. A major point of contention is the relationship between Atlantic City and the state’s iGaming sector. New Jersey, recognized as the iGaming hub of the U.S., initiated its online gaming program in 2013.
Proponents of land-based casinos argue that iGaming siphons revenue, while online advocates maintain that overall revenue has risen since its inception. New Jersey has recorded both total GGR and online figures reaching new heights in 2025, showing a 10% increase from 2024’s figures. Last year marked the first time New Jersey iGaming surpassed Atlantic City casinos in annual GGR.
Revisiting Past Proposals
The prevailing suggestion to tackle competition facing Atlantic City involves extending casino gaming to the state’s two horse racing tracks, Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetrack. Though this idea has been floated multiple times, it has yet to gain traction. In 2016, voters rejected it decisively, but the political landscape may have shifted over the past decade.
This year, state Senators Vin Gopal and Paul Sarlo revived the proposal with SCR 130. Despite some pushback, they remain committed to the idea, facing a coalition of opposition from several Congress members and state legislators.
Tax Changes Ahead
Since winning the election in November against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, Sherrill has inherited a tax landscape already altered under Murphy’s administration, who served from 2017 to 2025. Murphy had proposed tax increases for online gaming that saw some adjustments, ultimately settling at a unified 19.75% rate. Whether Sherrill will continue this trend is still to be determined.
As for the contentious issue of smoking in casinos, while Murphy had expressed willingness to support a ban, no bills were ever passed. Sherrill has not yet committed to a full ban but aims for a solution that benefits both casino operations and worker safety, proposing a collective approach among legislators from Atlantic City’s region.
