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NJ fixed-odds racing bills progress through committee stage

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Bills to allow fixed-odds wagering on horse racing in New Jersey have been approved unanimously by committees in both the state General Assembly and Senate.

The Assembly bill, Bill A4909, was introduced by Assemblymen Ronald Dancer and Ralph Caputo and referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee last week.

It is accompanied by an identical Senate bill, S3090, introduced by Senators Vin Gopal, Paul Sarlo, Steven Oroho and Declan O’Scanlon Jr. This bill was referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

Under the bill, customers would be allowed to place fixed-odds bets on horse races within the state, rather than only pari-mutuel bets.

Operators are required to pay 50% of profits made after deducting “all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the licensee in administering, marketing, and operating the fixed odds wagering system” back towards the racing industry.

Both the Assembly and Senate bills passed through their respective committees. The Assembly bill passed the Tourism Committee by a 7-0 vote, and then passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee in another unanimous vote, 11-0.

The Senate bill was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee in an 11-0 vote.

Both bills will now see the floors of their respective houses, and if approved will be sent to the Governor to be signed into law.

Betting technology supplier Betmakers welcomed the bills’ passage, saying it was “pleased” by the “positive update” with the legislation. Last year, BetMakers and Pointsbet agreed a deal to launch fixed-odds betting in the state when legislation permits.