State nixes video proposal

Monday, Jan. 20, 2003 | 10:58 a.m.

TRENTON, N.J. -- A proposal to put video lottery machines at New Jersey racetracks is off the table, according to published reports.

A spokeswoman for Gov. James E. McGreevey said no decisions have been made. But legislative and administration sources told The Press of Atlantic City and The Star-Ledger of Newark the proposal is dead for now.

Casinos opposed bringing video lottery terminals to racetracks because it would create competition. The New Jersey Constitution limits slot machines to Atlantic City.

"Atlantic City is very happy about it, and all of the casinos are very happy about it," said Donald Trump, head of Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. "It would have been very, very difficult for Atlantic City."

Supporters argued video lottery machines would help close a $5 billion budget deficit, while propping up the horse racing industry.

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