Northern N.J. Casino Referendum's Chances Have Been Damaged, Lawmaker Says

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Voters will soon have their say on a referendum on whether to expand casino gambling into northern New Jersey.

As WCBS 880's Mike Smeltz reported, state Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Madison) said the referendum's chances have been damaged.

"You know we have a whole component of the state and a powerful component that doesn't want to see North Jersey casinos," said McKeon, a supporter of the referendum.

McKeon said the referendum has been damaged by aggressive advertising on the opposition side, and an unclear ballot question that does not provide voters enough specifics about where the casino will go and how much money will be sent back to the state.

"We'll learn from this and maybe say, 'Here's where it's going to be, and he here's what the tax rate is, and that being definitive, it will garner the support of the voters,'" McKeon said.

McKeon did not quite concede the chance of the referendum passing, saying voters will still have their say next week.

CBS2 reported in March that one of the proposals calls for a $4 billion casino, hotel and entertainment project in Jersey City. The other major proposal is a casino at the Meadowlands, which would also feature a rock and roll museum.

Gov. Chris Christie has said he plans to cast his ballot in favor of expansion.