New Jersey voters could play a big role in determining whether to approve two new casinos in the northern part of the state.

[Image credits: www.politifact.com]

State Sen. President Steve Sweeney has resurrected a legislation that calls for a statewide referendum on whether two new casinos should open doors in North Jersey, his office announced on Friday.

Under the proposed legislation, the new casinos will pay a higher tax on gaming compared to 8% that existing casinos in Atlantic City currently pay. A portion of revenue, 49%, would go to Atlantic City to compensate from the expected loss of business, another 49% would go to counties and municipalities, and 2% would be to the state horse racing industry. The proposed plan would also require that the two new casinos be in separate counties and at least 75 miles from Atlantic City.