Sports betting could revive an Atlantic City racetrack
After PASPA’s revocation, the Atlantic City Race Course could be worth considering for reopening, New Jersey Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo said.
US.- The Supreme Court of the United States revoked the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and opened up sports betting legalisation all across the country. However, the ruling could also mean that the Atlantic City Race Course in Mays Landing could soon be up for reopening.
New Jersey Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo suggested that the now-shuttered venue could be worth considering for a resurrection. “It could be a multi-use facility here; the shopping, restaurants, entertainment. If Atlantic City racecourse wants to continue that could be part of the conversation,” he said and added: “Putting sports betting with that I guess it makes it a little more valuable as a selling piece. The future could be really bright here, but it has to be well-thought out and well planned.”
The racetrack was closed in January 2015 after struggling financially. Just like five casinos had in 2014, the venue was another victim to a dark season in Atlantic City’s gambling history. “We regret to announce that we must close Atlantic City Race Course immediately due to continuous business decline in the industry, the current regional economic climate and the absence of alternative revenue opportunities,” president of the ownership group at the time Joe Wilson said just before the operations shut down.