BURZICHELLI: BRING SPORTS BETTING TO RACETRACKS

BURZICHELLI: BRING SPORTS BETTING TO RACETRACKS
Assemblyman To Push for Senate Amendments To Help Horse-Racing Industry;
Will Seek Inclusion of NCAA Contests Not Involving New Jersey Teams

(TRENTON) -  Assemblyman John Burzichelli announced his intention to seek Senate amendments to the sports betting bill so it would allow in-person sport-betting at the state's three horse-racing facilities and include wagering on NCAA contests not involving teams from New Jersey colleges or universities.

Burzichelli is a prime sponsor of the sports-betting measure (A-1909).

"We have an opportunity to utilize sports betting to help the state's horse-racing industry and further sharpen Atlantic City's competitive edge," said Burzichelli (D-Gloucester/ Cumberland/Salem). "The Senate should grab this bill by the reins and expand it to protect all New Jersey gaming, whether in Atlantic City or at the racetrack."

Burzichelli said he would work with the Senate sponsors of the gaming measure - Senators Ray Lesniak (D-Union) and Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) - to expand the bill to allow in-person pro-sports betting at New Jersey's three horse-racing tracks: Freehold Raceway, Monmouth Park, and the Meadowlands.

"Giving horse tracks a new revenue stream to bolster purses would ensure that top-tier racing horses continue to run in New Jersey and boost the financial security of the racetracks," said Burzichelli.

Burzichelli said he also would seek to allow wagers to be placed on college athletics, excluding games featuring teams from New Jersey's colleges and universities.

The Assemblyman noted racetrack-based sports betting may require amending the state constitution, which currently limits gambling to Atlantic City's casinos. However, since the pro-sports legalization bill also would require voter approval, he said both questions could be put to voters on the same ballot.

"The purpose behind allowing in-person sports betting in Atlantic City is to draw more people into New Jersey and protect the casinos from increased out-of-state competition," said Burzichelli. "We should be no less vigilant in seeking to protect our horse-racing industry."

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