TRENTON (USA): New Jersey’s courts did not open on Monday and the same could happen to betting at race tracks and the Atlantic City casinos under a state government shutdown that began after the legislature failed to adopt a budget.

By Wednesday, state parks and beaches could also be closed.

More than half the state work force was off the job and those who were working might not get paid.

Governor Jon S. Corzine imposed the shutdown after lawmakers missed a July 1 deadline to adopt a new state budget.

The impasse among Democrats over a sale tax increase left New Jersey with no means to spend money, and a private four-hour meeting on Sunday between the governor and top assembly and senate leaders ended without a compromise.

The senate planned to meet on Monday, and Senate President Richard J. Codey told senators to be ready to stay in session until a budget is adopted.—AP