Tables turned before the NJ ballot

Today New Jersey voters will decide whether to extend casino industry state-wide.

US.- As America is going through a decisive day about its future with the national presidential election, New Jersey is also expectant about the casino ballot that would define the extension of gaming industry outside Atlantic City. A day before the ballot, Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries announced their support to the expansion reversing their previous opposition.

The New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association commented that the change in their position is due to an agreement with the operators of a possible casino located at The Meadowlands, if the gaming venue is approved today. Under the deal, the state’s Thoroughbred and Standardbred would receive tens of millions of dollars in subsidies from the casino.

The Meadowlands company is betting on the legalisation of an extended casino activity in New Jersey and seeks the license to operate a venue inside its current Sports Complex, headed by the real-estate developer Jeff Gural. The exclusive entertainment centre has reached a long-term lease with New Jersey and expects a growth on its business by adding casino services.

New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Jeff Gural agreed yesterday that the casino would provide US$30 million in purses for Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing each year and contribute US$5 million a year to pay operating expenses at Monmouth Park. In addition, the Meadowlands would use US$2 million a year to pay for both dirt and turf racing at the Meadowlands beginning in 2019.