Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill permitting the lessee of the Meadowlands Racetrack to operate a simulcasting facility at the American Dream Meadowlands sports, retail and entertainment centre, formerly known as Xanadu, was favourably reported out of the Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee Thursday

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Dancer believes the bill will bring the excitement of horse racing to a greater audience within the Meadowlands complex.

Any agreement reached between Jeff Gural, the racetrack’s new operator, and the Triple Five Group, owners of American Dream, would need to be approved by the New Jersey Racing Commission. The first phase of the American Dream complex is projected to open in the fall of 2013.

In the event an agreement is reached for simulcasting at American Dream, it would not count towards the limit of the 15 off-track wagering facilities authorized to be licensed for simulcasting under the 'Off Track and Account Wagering Act.'

“The American Dream complex will be one of the premier sports, retail and entertainment attractions in the country, generating great interest and large crowds,” Dancer explained. “If Mr. Gural and Triple Five are able to consummate a deal, it would expose racing to a larger audience and help expand its fan base. Simulcasting races already exist at the Meadowlands Racetrack and permitting its operation at a location within the Meadowlands complex and sharing a common parking area with the racetrack is just an extension of the same wagering opportunities available at the track itself.”

A-332 now goes for a vote before the full Assembly.

(NJ Assembly Republicans)