Five hours north of Richmond and east of Philadelphia, a giant white sign dangles over an overpass welcoming visitors to the “World’s Playground.”
“Welcome to Atlantic City.”
Forty-seven years ago, a state referendum brought legalized gambling to this seaside community and fueled an era of economic growth that brought millions of dollars to South New Jersey each year.
Today, 300 miles to the south, Richmond residents are poised to vote, for a second time, on their own gaming referendum. A yes vote on Nov. 7 would green light a $562 million South Richmond entertainment and gambling complex on land now occupied by vacant buildings once owned by Philip Morris USA.
