(3rd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT) – As part of his continuing effort to boost New Jersey’s gaming and horse racing industries, Assemblyman John Burzichelli is sponsoring legislation that would allow Internet account wagering on horse races from bettors outside New Jersey.
The bill (A-3498) is also sponsored by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-Ocean,/Burlington/Mercer/Monmouth).
Burzichelli has sponsored numerous bills to help New Jersey’s horse racing and casino industries, including bills to allow exchange wagering, increase purses at Monmouth and allow for boutique casinos in Atlantic City.
“This bill represents yet another effort to ensure New Jersey’s horse racing industry is strong and viable,” said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/Cumberland/Salem). “A modern horse racing industry must take into consideration all the ways in which people can participate, and that of course means bringing the Internet and other electronic means into play for those outside our state. Opening New Jersey’s horse racing industry to a wider audience is simply a smart thing to do.”
Account wagering is a form of wagering in which an account holder deposits money with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, or its designee, and then uses the account balance to pay for wagers.
Under current law, only New Jerseyans are permitted to establish wagering accounts for bets on in-state and out-of-state horse races through the system, either in-person or via the telephone or other electronic means such as the Internet.
The bill authorizes the account wagering licensee to accept wagers on the results of horse races from residents outside of New Jersey.
Under the bill, the account wagering licensee could accept account wagers from persons who are residents of another state, provided that:
· The person resides in a state where pari-mutuel wagering is permitted;
· Residents of that state are permitted to establish an account with the account wagering licensee; and
· The acceptance of the wager is in accordance and compliance with the provisions of the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978, any other applicable federal law and the laws of that state.
“Our horse racing industry needs a wide variety of ways to promote itself and attract people, and this bill is part of that effort,” Burzichelli said. “It’s a sensible approach that should pay dividends down the line through a larger fan base.”
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee chaired by Burzichelli.
