The New Jersey Senate and Assembly passed a list of bills on Tuesday including a few that will affect the casino and horse racing industries

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According to a report in The Star-Ledger, bill A4285 will permit off-track wagering on standardbred and thoroughbred racing at bars and restaurants in 12 counties.

A further bill (S3113) approved wagering on professional sports and college sports - with the stipulation that the college games aren’t played in New Jersey or involve New Jersey teams – at the 11 Atlantic City casinos and at the four horse racing tracks in the state.

"These votes, by both houses of the legislature and the voters of New Jersey, mark the beginning of the end of the inequitable federal ban on sports betting," said state Sen. Raymond Lesniak, a northern New Jersey Democrat who has been the measure's strongest proponent. "This time next year our residents won't have to fly to Las Vegas or visit their local bookie to bet on the Giants, Jets or Eagles to win the Super Bowl. They will be able to go to an Atlantic City casino, Monmouth Racetrack or The Meadowlands."

(With files from the Associated Press)