New Jersey Brings Gambling to Everyone
Dear Nation,
This is my last plea to get you back. We’ve been down a long road to where we are today. I brought legalized sports gambling to all states for you. I, the state of New Jersey, have a few things to get off my chest and I want to show you how I’ve changed. It’s time to come back to America’s Favorite Playground.
I’m turning to our native son, Mike Viso, to express what this day means for us because I can’t relive the slow deterioration of my love affair with the rest of the United States. It’s just too painful.
Wow. Nation, you’ve got to be proud of New Jersey for putting its heart on the line. I, Mike Viso, have had some deep conversations with NJ and they fought the system to legalize gambling not just for you, but for itself. We know we pandered to you with cheesy slogans like “Do AC”; it was a dark time for NJ. They were desperate after bad investments and casino revenue declining from $5.2 billion in 2006 to $2.9 billion by 2013.
NJ knew it had become a cesspool from the continuing collapse of Trenton. Sadly, the world wasn’t taking anything from Trenton because they weren’t making anything anymore. Our biggest export was the Jersey Shore and failed Independent League teams. (RIP, Camden Riversharks and Atlantic City Surf.)
But life is better now. This is going to open new doors and we both welcome you back with open arms. As of 2014, NJ generates the third most revenue from legalized gambling. Although this doesn’t include Native American Casinos, the revenue generated was $3.05 billion. While that is great for a state that’s highly taxed, that’s less than one-third of the money generated by Nevada ($10.86 billion).
So, who gives a crap about NJ? You’re a scorned lover. Their casinos have collapsed and Atlantic City is overrun with poverty and crime. Even when they do have opportunities, like filming a little show called “Boardwalk Empire” in Atlantic City, they pass on revenue and tourism opportunities. Brilliant.
What this ruling does is allows that tourism to flow. Slowly, you’re going to see reinvestment into the communities. With Steve Wynn, casino mogul, resigning back in February due to allegations of sexual misconduct, the company could use a victory in the public relations depart. Matt Maddox, do the right thing and bring Wynn Resorts back to NJ. Those are your roots at Caesars Entertainment.
As the casinos are rejuvenated, local business revitalizes and it becomes our breeding ground for entertainment. There is a stadium, known as the Sandcastle, that is the perfect spot for a low minor league team. Part two of the sports gambling plan is rejuvenating the baseball scene in NJ. As ballplayers in the low levels are signed and enjoying adult nightlife, the shore and access to four major cities within four hours, the word will spread. Who talks more than athletes in a clubhouse?
If there are entertainment options and high-end lifestyle attractions, the next thing to follow is celebrities. Part three will center on bringing professional athletes to the surrounding areas. Particularly, the Philadelphia Phillies should love this. Why? Because guess who is from a town in between Philly and Atlantic City? Only the greatest baseball player on the planet, Mike Trout.
People will point to the loyalty of Trout as a reason he would stay in Los Angeles. Do you know who he’s tighter with than anyone? His family. The final piece is luring Trout back to his roots. The opportunity to be with his family, hang with stars like Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Carson Wentz and have access to the newly minted hub of activity in Atlantic City will be too much to pass up.
While this plan has hopes of bringing you back to NJ, it knows that the possibilities are endless where you live. This same plan can be cooked up from scratch in any other state. The infrastructure just happens to be set in NJ. People will talk about the negativity of having gambling in their states, the vices and issues it brings with crime. But what it can do to help a state is far greater the negatives.
If the Las Vegas Golden Knights have proved anything in their short time, it’s that the temptation of gambling isn’t greater because of proximity. It’s an individual choice. Michael Jorden trekked to Atlantic City between games in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. He might have gotten more sleep if there was a closer casino. Pete Rose went through several channels to bet on baseball. Proximity didn’t matter.
The athlete of today is so aware of the 24/7 exposure and the opportunity to make money off the field. They’re so well paid that the temptation to bet on sports isn’t a problem. The stupid athlete will be the stupid athlete. Now we can focus on bringing sources of revenue to failing states like NJ and level the playing field for towns around the country to bring in players with viable options of entertainment.
Nation, NJ loves you and if you just give them a chance, you’ll see how much you’ll love their people, towns, food and entertainment.
Yours Always,
Mike Viso and the People of New Jersey
