LAS VEGAS, Nv. (AP) — New Jersey gambling regulators plan to vote Friday on the last approval needed for Nevada-based Eldorado Resorts Inc.’s huge $17.3 billion buyout of Caesars Entertainment Corp. to create the world’s biggest casino company.

The deal directly affects four of nine casinos in Atlantic City. The state Casino Control Commission decided Thursday that two competitors – the Hard Rock Atlantic City and the Ocean Casino Resort – asked too late for time to comment.

The merger would give Eldorado control of 52 properties in 16 U.S. states – plus sites in the United Kingdom, Egypt, Canada and a golf course in Macau.