Online Gambling Could Benefit NJ Racing

Published: December 8, 2017 05:22 pm EST

New Jersey racetracks could potentially receive a percentage of online gaming revenue if they partner with an existing Atlantic City casino operator.

On Thursday, the state assembly passed amended bill 4255. The bill states that "a running or harness horse racetrack in this State may enter into an agreement with a casino located in Atlantic City, or such a casino’s Internet gaming affiliate, that allows the racetrack’s premises to be available as a venue at which the holder of an Internet gaming account may place wagers at casinos using the Internet."

The bill was initially introduced in October 2016, and passed in the assembly by a vote of 60-12 (with one abstaining). It would still need to be passed by state senate.

“It would bring more traffic into the racetracks, and they need it desperately,” said Democratic Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, himself a former casino executive.

According to Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of the Monmouth Park, tracks would essentially establish an area of the facility -- like an 'internet café' -- for patrons to place casino wagers. Tracks would be exempt from current laws that prohibit internet cafes from allowing online casino wagers.

“The casinos should realize that absolutely nothing will happen unless they agree to allow it through an agreement with a track,” Drazin was quoted as saying. “Nobody is forcing anything on them. This is really a win-win for the racing industry and the casino industry.”

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