Bill > A1531

Introduced Session

Under current law, off-track wagering licenses are first issued to horse racing permit holders. Licensees are required to meet certain New Jersey Racing Commission rules and timelines for the establishment, construction, and operation of off-track wagering facilities. Violation of racing commission rules and regulations are grounds for the commission to revoke, suspend, or deny a renewal of a license. This bill provides for the automatic renewal, without conditions, of an off-track wagering license. As long as a licensee files the appropriate forms and pays all relevant fees to the commission, their license will continue to be renewed. The bill removes the provisions which allow for the denial of a license renewal. However, the bill allows the racing commission to continue to suspend or revoke a license for noncompliance with the commission's rules. Current law also provides for a preference system for the award of a license forfeited by a horse racing permit holder, first to a horsemen's organization and then to any other well-suited entity. This bill removes these provisions. The bill allows for the racing commission to use its discretion to establish the timeframe for renewal of license, rather than the fixed annual renewal under current law. The bill specifies that nothing in the off-track and wagering account law would limit the ability of horsemen's organizations to enter into agreements with horse racing permit holders for the operation of off-track wagering facilities.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Clinton Calabrese (D)*,  Bill Moen (D)*,  Sterley Stanley (D)*,  Shanique Speight (D), 

Withdrawn Because Approved P.L.2025, c.302. (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document