Wagner Statement On Sports & Gaming Report

Assemblywoman Connie Wagner (D-Bergen), a leading advocate for video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands, released the following statement Wednesday on the New Jersey Gaming, Sports, and Entertainment Advisory Commission report:

"Any recommendation to sell or close the Meadowlands race track is beyond disappointing. I urge Gov. Christie to reject it and instead embrace efforts to bring video lottery terminals to the track to modernize it and allow it to readily compete with other states.

"I understand the need to focus on Atlantic City, but the reality is that neighbors such as Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania are expanding their gambling offerings and luring away our customers. We must face that fact and adjust to it, not simply give up on one of our great assets.

"VLT's at the Meadowlands could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue and create thousands of new jobs. That is an opportunity we cannot responsibly leave behind. I will continue my efforts to make it reality and hope the governor sees the light on this issue."