Posted on 07/05/2006 8:15:28 AM PDT by frogjerk
UL. 5 8:54 A.M. ET New Jersey's casinos ushered the last of the gamblers away from slot machines and tables Wednesday, and janitors locked the doors behind them as a state government shutdown claimed its latest victims. In the first mass closure in the 28-year history of Atlantic City's legalized gambling trade, all 12 casinos were under state orders to lock up. Atlantic City's casinos are lucrative for New Jersey. They have a $1.1 billion payroll, and the state takes an 8 percent cut -- an estimated $1.3 million a day. But as a stalemate over the state budget entered its fifth day Wednesday with no deal in sight, even they had to shut down. With no state budget, New Jersey can't pay its state employees, meaning the casino inspectors who keep tabs on the money and whose presence is required at casinos are off the job. State parks and beaches were also closed Wednesday because of the lack of staff. "It's like last call at a bar. It's a little bit eerie," said Michael Trager, 36, of Cincinnati, was playing a video poker machine at 10 minutes to 8 a.m. when an attendant told him to conclude his bet. "They said, 'That's it, you gotta cash out. We're closing.'" The doors to the Boardwalk side of Caesar's were locked by janitors. An announcement came over the public address system telling gamblers the casino was closing. "It's history," said Andy Trechock, 41, of Depford, as he stepped away from a slot machine at Bally's Wild Wild West casino. The problem started when the Legislature missed its July 1 constitutional deadline to pass the budget amid a fight with Gov. Jon S. Corzine over his proposed boost in the state sales tax. Without a spending plan, Corzine ordered state offices shut
(Excerpt) Read more at businessweek.com ...
LOL, Corzine picks a AG that did not even pass muster with McGreedy. She was up for a NJSC nomination but he pulled it because of over 13 traffic violations and not appearing in court. I believe there was an arrest made out for her failure to appear.
One thing I don't understand..is why the Beaches are closed....will the government stop paying the wave machine bill?? does the sand get repossessed ???...I think it akin to the local school board or city saying they have to cut back on stuff people use (Fire and Police, Libraries) so people will get upset and allow a tax increase..
sw
I remember a few years back when Pawlenty had our MN gubmint shutdown. Never knew how "critical" highway rest stops were until our pols told me. I wondered why people couldn't just use one of the 500 McDonalds,Dennys or other places to relieve themselves.
So let me get this straight:
The state is crumbling because of revenue shortfalls and the genius rat governor shuts off a major source of tax revenue.
Rats are all too stupid to live.
Corzine is a disaster...
That does not even add in money he would have made by people stopping in to pick up their tickets and buying other products.
Why is a private casino being shutdown due to a government budget issue?
"You're fired!"?
Me too. (see you at thre gun club on sunday)
I don't like what gambling does to people, but you can't say that everyone that works in a casino is scum.
I visit the casino in Wheeling a couple of times a year, does that make me scum too?
As I understand it, it is only state-administered beaches, and there are only two of those but even still, who owns that sand again?
Yes. The RATS are very dumb.
The NJ GOP should come out with a proposal to lower taxes and increase revenues so that the RATS heads will TOTALLY EXPLODE!
not to mention the 2.5 million a day that the Lottery brings in
First question: Do you go to church every Sunday?
If the answer is yes, second question: Do you feel the same way about the dirtbag lawyers, throatcutting executives and heartless politicians that go to the same church?
Mostly pharmaceuticals, garbage disposal, and legbreaking.
Because in Atlantic City, you need government monitors supervising the gambling.
And as a casino worker I have no sympathy for ignorant people that over-generalize.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.