Racetrack patrons would be permitted to place bets on special mobile gaming devices under legislation approved Thursday by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee

. It is sponsored by Assembly Republican Ronald S. Dancer.

“Smart phones and other mobile devices are so engrained in our daily lives that they seem to have become an extra appendage. Racetracks should be permitted to take advantage of the types of technology that people are so accustomed to using,” Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth. “Allowing racetracks to keep up with the times will improve the experience for fans and help New Jersey facilities gain a competitive edge over states competing for fans.”

The bill, A-2610, would update the state’s horse racing laws to specifically reference mobile gaming devices and give clear legal standing to their regulated use by the New Jersey Racing Commission. The devices would allow patrons to place bets and receive information about wagers, outcomes and other information about racing, such as viewing live horse races on iPads or iPhones.

The bill stipulates that the mobile gaming devices would be permitted to operate in all indoor and outdoor areas of the racetrack, including designated areas of the Meadowlands complex, such as the American Dream.

“Horse racing is one of the oldest forms of sport in the world that could benefit from a modern twist that would eliminate the decades-old practice of standing in line to place a bet and collect winnings,” Dancer said. “This would be a major innovation to wagering on horse racing and make New Jersey a model on how to utilize various forms of Internet technology in horse racing.”

A similar proposal allowing hand-held gaming devices at Atlantic City Casinos has been approved this year by committees in the Senate and Assembly. Nevada is the only other state to allow such devices in casinos.

Dancer’s bill has bipartisan support from Assemblyman John Burzichelli and Assemblywoman Connie Wagner.

(New Jersey Assembly Republicans)