Among bills passed were measures to allow internet wagering, smaller casino hotels, permission for racetracks to hold fewer standardbred horse races Watch video
TRENTON — Lawmakers and Gov. Chris Christie still disagree on some pieces of the proposal to reinvigorate Atlantic City, but a package of measures designed to start the process sailed through the state Senate Monday.
The bills address issues in both the South Jersey gaming mecca as well as the beleaguered horse-racing industry.
"Unless we take the necessary steps to bring our casinos and horse tracks into profitability and self-sufficiency, we’re going to lose these economic engines and all the benefits they bring to our State," said Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic).
"This would be a devastating blow to New Jersey’s economic future, and it’s something we cannot allow to happen. Through the measures approved today, and additional bills which I expect to move shortly, we will be able to give our gaming and wagering industries a fighting chance."
Among the bills passed were measures to allow internet wagering; smaller casino hotels to attract operators of so-called "boutique" gaming halls; and permission for Meadowlands Racetrack and Freehold Raceway to hold fewer standardbred horse races each year, making each of them more prestigious and featuring bigger purses.
Key measures that would establish a tourism and entertainment district that would be governed by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority were originally planned for votes Monday, but were held so technical problems could be addressed.
Earlier in the day, a Senate panel approved a constitutional amendment to allow sports betting connected with the state’s casinos.
If passed in both houses of the Legislature and approved by New Jersey voters, the amendment would permit sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and the state’s current and former racetracks. However, a 1992 federal law bans sports betting in New Jersey and all but four states.
Sen. Ray Lesniak (R-Union), sponsor of the sports betting bill called the law "unfair and unconstitutional" and filed the suit against it in federal court. But Gov. Chris Christie — calling it a "legal long shot" — in July declined to join the suit.
Previous coverage:
• N.J. Senate panel urges Legislature to let voters decide on fate of sports betting
• New Jersey assemblyman suggests ways to save gambling
• N.J. gaming panel recommends merging Meadowlands, Monmouth racetracks, privatization
• N.J. Assembly panel advances bill on smaller casinos in Atlantic City
• Complete coverage of Gov. Chris Christie's proposed overhaul of gaming industries