Horse racing enthusiasts who live in New Jersey would be able to place a wager on a race in the state even though they may be outside of the Garden State’s borders under legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer and approved by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee on Thursday, December 6.

“A horse racing fan could still enjoy the Sport of Kings in New Jersey even though they may be temporarily outside the state,” said Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Monmouth and Middlesex. “This bill allows an authorized account wagering licensee in the state to accept a New Jersey resident’s bet, just as they do now, even though that person may away on business or vacation.

“Technology is now to the point where a resident doesn’t have to be physically present to experience racing in New Jersey,” explained Dancer. “This legislation is a logical extension of the existing account wagering system, adding more convenience to the process, while keeping New Jersey’s horse racing industry competitive with other states.”

Dancer’s bill, A-2914, stipulates that the jurisdiction of where a New Jersey resident would place a wager on the result of a horse race must be consistent with the law of that jurisdiction or with federal law. Current law only allows New Jersey residents to use the account wagering system while they are within the state.

The state's horse racing industry provides 13,000 jobs to care for 42,000 horses on 7,200 farms that comprise 176,000 open space acres for a $1 billion industry of economic, environmental and entertainment values.

(NJ Assembly Republican Office)