Legislators in New Jersey have introduced a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would allow gambling outside of Atlantic City. And the mayor of Newark is making a bid for a casino. 

“We’re talking about all of this revenue that the city needs desperately,” Mayor Ras Baraka said at a press conference at City Hall Wednesday. “Why wouldn’t we be fighting to be putting a casino right here in the city of Newark.”

Baraka said a casino, along with an accompanying convention center, hotel and restaurants, could bring more than 4,000 permanent jobs to the city and $1 billion in total revenue — close to $8 million in property taxes alone.  

The mayor said Newark, unlike Jersey City, which is also being considered for a casino, won’t have a problem with congestion.

“We have six rail lines,” Baraka said. “Every place else is miles from the airport. We’re under miles. We’re no miles. We’re about five minutes from the airport.”

The city is already speaking with casino developers, and Essex County Executive, Joseph DiVincenzo, said any casino that comes to Newark would pay full taxes.

“There’s no way the city and the county is going to subsidize this. They’re going to pay their fair dues,” DiVincenzo said. “They’re a multi-billion dollar operation. They should just be happy to be here in Newark.”

If the legislature passes the proposed amendment, voters would still have to approve it.

Casinos would also be allowed in Hudson and Bergen Counties.