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Senate panel ok's measure to bolster state aid to Atlantic City Racetrack

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Assembly and Senate committees Thursday approved legislation designed to bolster New Jersey’s comatose horse racing industry, including a bill that would allow wagering in taverns and restaurants.

The wagering proposal (A-4285) , approved by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee, would direct the state Racing Commission to implement a pilot program for taverns, restaurants in the northern part of the state to provide electronic wagering terminals.

Another bill (A-4338) would extend the deadline for licensing off-track wagering facilities that remain to be established.

Meanwhile, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved a measure (S-1996) that would expand state support for the Atlantic City Racetrack.

The bills move to the Assembly and Senate for floor votes on Monday.

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Under the wagering bill, the pilot program could be conducted in a limited number of eligible taverns and restaurants in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex counties and northern Middlesex and Ocean counties. Bets would be placed through electronic wagering terminals. The terminals would be subject to the commission’s regulation and control.

Each license issued under the pilot program would be temporary, subject to review and renewal on an annual basis, and would expire within three years of issuance of each initial license.

Finally, the bill directs the commission to issue a report to the governor and to the Legislature within three years of the issuance of the first pilot program license. The report would contain an evaluation of the pilot program, provide the commission’s opinion as to whether the pilot program should be continued and, if so, recommendations for further improvement and implementation. The pilot program would end upon the expiration of the last license issued under the program unless the Legislature enacts a law to continue the program.

“These are key pieces in our ongoing effort to ensure New Jersey’s horse racing industry remains a strong and viable economic engine and entertainment attraction,” Assemblyman John Burzichelli

(D-Gloucester),the Gaming Committee chairman, said.

“These bills modernize the industry and make it easier for racing fans to place wagers while also boosting our restaurant industry. It’s a true win-win and a common sense approach to today’s consumer demands and desires for convenience and ease of access.”