[toc]The resort casino formerly known as Revel has had a lot of problems trying to get back into operation. But at least one state senator wants New Jersey to lend a helping hand to the Atlantic City property.
Lesniak tries to help TEN AC
State Sen. Ray Lesniak introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at helping TEN Atlantic City. That’s the resort formerly known as Revel that has been shuttered for several years now.
More from the Press of AC on the legislation:
The bill would not require hotel owners who lease gaming operations to a third party to get a casino license. It is in response to Glenn Straub’s struggle to reopen the 6 million-square-foot facility.
“Makes no sense to have a landlord go through the same lengthy review as a casino operator and stands in the way of its opening and creating business activity and employment,” said , D-Union, who is running for governor.
Last week, the state casino commission ruled that Straub’s company must apply for and receive a gaming license, something the developer has resisted. Straub has said he plans to lease gaming space to a third party.
TEN AC, supposed to reopen anyway?
How much impact the legislation would have, if enacted, is in question. Straub has said he plans to reopen TEN AC in a couple of weeks, with or without the casino license.
That timeline is in doubt, as Straub once promised to open the resort that originally cost more than $2 billion last summer. That opening never happened, and the resort has sat idle ever since.
Revel could try to follow in the footsteps of Showboat, which reopened without gaming on the property.
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Lesniak, friend to casinos
Lesniak, who put his hat in the ring for the governor’s race earlier this year, has always been an activist on the casino front.
The senator was behind NJ online casinos being legalized. He has also led the charge as the state has tried to authorize sports betting at tracks and casinos.
The new casino bill is just another example of Lesniak looking out for the state’s gaming industry.
Also of note: Gov. Chris Christie just vetoed a bill aimed at punishing Trump Taj Mahal owner Carl Icahn.
Image by Anjan58 / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0