When gaming inspectors are not working, casinos are not legally allowed to operate. In 2006 state budget stalemate once forced Atlantic City casinos to close for three days, resulting in an over $55 million loss. Now, lawmakers are trying to make sure it will not happen again.

The proposed solution was a law that would allow casinos to operate with a special casino fund. The money would be used to pay the salaries of the gaming inspectors. The law passed the state Assembly with an 80-0 vote last week. Now the state Office of Legislative Services (OLS) claims the legislation is unconstitutional.

According to the OLS, this legislation would violate New Jersey’s budget requirements. The law would allow for the Casino Control Fund to be removed from the state Treasury Department in case a budget is not passed by constitutional deadline.

The issue is arguable and the final outcome is not yet to be decided. Still, at least for current year 2007, a budget agreement has been reached and the spending plan will most likely be adopted before the July 1 deadline.