by Rich Savner, director of communications, Assembly Republican Office

Trenton, NJ — Looking to increase the benefits and excitement of horse racing to a greater audience, Assemblyman Ron Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth, has introduced legislation that would permit the lessee of Meadowlands Racetrack to operate a simulcasting facility at the American Dream Meadowlands retail and entertainment complex, formerly known as Xanadu.

Any agreement reached between Jeff Gural, the racetrack’s anticipated new operator, and the Triple Five Group, owners of American Dream, would need to be approved by the New Jersey Racing Commission. The first phase of the American Dream complex is projected to open in the Fall of 2013.

In the event an agreement is reached for simulcasting at American Dream, it would not count towards the limit of the 15 off-track wagering facilities authorized to be licensed for simulcasting under the “Off Track and Account Wagering Act.”

“The American Dream complex will be one of the top retail and entertainment attractions in the country, generating great interest and large crowds,” explained Dancer. “This is an opportunity to expand horse racing’s fan base to people who aren’t familiar with racing or visit the track by capitalizing on the attractions offered at American Dream.

“If Mr. Gural and Triple Five are able to consummate a deal, it would expose racing to a larger audience and help expand its fan base. Simulcasting races already exist at Meadowlands Racetrack and permitting its operation at a location within eyesight of the track is just an extension of the same wagering opportunities available at the track itself.”

A-4238 was introduced on Nov. 10, 2011 and was assigned to the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee.