Meadowlands Casino Talk a Waste of Time, Says Christie

Members of a New Jersey Assembly committee are hearing the pros and cons of allowing casino gambling at the Meadowlands.

The Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee is hearing from more than 30 speakers at a hearing Thursday at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Gov. Chris Christie said at an unrelated bill-signing in Trenton that discussing the prospect of gambling at the Meadowlands or anywhere else in the state is a waste of time. The governor and other opponents want to make sure Atlantic City's revitalization plan has time to turn around the resort's fortunes.

Those who support the idea say gambling at the Meadowlands could strengthen New Jersey against competition from nearby states. It's that competition that has sharply cut casino revenues in Atlantic City.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)