N.J. holds final gaming summit
Garden State legislators weigh how to reshape state’s casino and horse-racing industries.
New Jersey lawmakers held their third and final gaming summit Wednesday to examine what can be done to help the state’s casino and horse-racing industries.
The Gaming, Sports and Entertainment Advisory Commission appointed by Governor Chris Christie recommended ending the state’s subsidy for racing, instead putting the focus on revitalizing the Atlantic City casino district.
Testifying before lawmakers at Monmouth Park, commission chairman Jon Hanson said there should be a way to keep horse racing operating in New Jersey.
“We’re in favor of horse racing. We just are not in favor of the taxpayer subsidizing horse racing,” says Hanson.
Senate President Steve Sweeney is hoping lawmakers will approve legislation by the end of November to help the state’s horse-racing industry survive.
“I think we’ve come up with some good ideas,” says Sweeney. “Intrastate Internet gaming that Senator Lesniak has been pushing. It could be very beneficial. Exchange wagering. And the advancement of off-track betting parlors.”
Lawmakers are divided on whether to allow slot machines at New Jersey’s tracks. All indications are that it won’t happen anytime soon.
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