New Jersey lawmakers wish to give the state’s horse racing tracks a piece from the action on web gambling.
The state Assembly is because of vote Thursday on a bill that would authorize tracks to provide internet gambling on their premises if they attain a partnership agreement with an Atlantic City casino or an online affiliate of a casino.
Democratic Assemblyman Ralph Caputo says it is a way to help the struggling racing industry with new income.
“It would bring more traffic in to the racetracks, and they need it desperately,” stated Caputo, a former casino executive.
Gamblers with web betting accounts can currently place bets from anyplace within New Jersey’s borders, and do not need to visit a track to complete so.
“The casinos ought to understand that completely nothing will occur unless they agree to permit it via an agreement having a track,” stated Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of the Monmouth Park racetrack in Oceanport. “Nobody is forcing anything on them. This really is really a win-win for the racing business and the casino business.”
Supporters envision track patrons placing on-line casino bets in between races. The track could be compensated by the casino for drumming up new online company; the precise amount each track would get from a casino would have to be negotiated individually.
Drazin stated tracks would set aside an area for customers to place casino bets over the internet. The tracks could be particularly exempted from state law banning so-called “internet cafes” that offer real-money gambling.
The Casino Association of New Jersey did not immediately respond to a request for comment around the bill.
Internet gambling has been a bright spot in New Jersey’s gambling marketplace. On pace to win $250 million on-line this year, New Jersey has the largest marketplace of the 3 states that presently provide web gambling (Pennsylvania lately authorized it but has not started offering it yet).
The state Senate has not yet scheduled a vote around the measure, which is being regarded as inside a committee.