Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo allowing New Jersey racetracks to partner with Atlantic City casinos to promote online gaming was approved by an Assembly panel on Monday.
“We’ve seen revenue from online wagering grow steadily since we first legalized it in 2013,” said Caputo (D-Essex). “Allowing racetracks to partner with casinos will help bring the market to new audiences and further boost revenue to support struggling casinos and worthwhile state programs.”
The bill (A-4255) would permit running or harness horse racetracks in New Jersey to enter into an agreement with a casino located in Atlantic City, or the casino’s Internet gaming affiliate, in order to allow the racetrack’s premises to be available as a venue where the holder of an Internet gaming account may place online wagers at casinos.
In 2013, New Jersey legalized online gaming, allowing individuals over the age of 21, who are physically located in New Jersey, to open an Internet gaming account with an authorized casino gaming site. The law also provides for the licensure of Internet gaming affiliates who operate Internet gaming systems on behalf of licensed casinos.
To date, the Division of Gaming Enforcement has authorized the following casinos to operate Internet gaming sites, as well as sites affiliated with these casinos: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Interactive Entertainment-Affiliate of Boardwalk Regency Corporation, Golden Nugget Atlantic City, Resorts Casino Hotel, and Tropicana Casino and Hotel.
Under the bill, the Division of Gaming Enforcement would have jurisdiction and would establish minimum standards for the equipment used and locations at a racetrack from which wagers may be placed.
Internet wagering from racetracks would not be subject to regulation by the New Jersey Racing Commission. A casino, or its Internet gaming affiliate, would compensate a racetrack licensee for its services as provided in the terms of the agreement.
A-4255 would allow individuals with New Jersey online gaming accounts to engage in Internet gaming while at a racetrack that has partnered with an Atlantic City casino or a casino’s Internet gaming affiliate.
The bill was approved by the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee chaired by Caputo. It would take effect immediately upon enactment.