Voters could get say on putting VLTs at racetrack

Abill has been put forward that would seek voter approval for video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands horse racetrack.

The bill (A-2458) would ask voters to approve video lottery terminals at a referendum held during a November general election. A video lottery terminal is an electronic game of chance similar to a video slot machine, according to an Assembly Democratic press release.

Under the bill, if voters approve, the State Lottery Commission would be authorized to install the machines at the Mead- owlands racetrack, with the operation developed by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and overseen by the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), who helped introduce the legislation, said in the press release, “Times have changed and so must we if Meadowlands racing and gaming are going to continue to be a strong part of New Jersey’s economy. We cannot stand idle and pretend expanded competition at nearby horse tracks in New York doesn’t exist. It’s there, and unless we move forward, we will forever lose those customers, the immense revenue potential and the horse racing industry itself.”

A portion of the revenue earned by the machines would be placed into a newly created Horse Racing Special Fund that would benefit the state’s horse racing industry.

“This is a sensible way to keep gaming and horse racing more viable in New Jersey, while helping cut horse racing’s reliance on state subsidies,” Caputo said. “I know many have strong opinions on the idea of bringing gaming to the Meadowlands, but I hope this can at least be the start of an in-depth discussion on the matter.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Assembly members Fred Scalera and Gary Schaer (both D-Bergen/Essex/Passaic), Elease Evans (D-Passaic/Bergen) and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hudson).