New Jersey Horse Racing Industry Needs OTB’s

A week after Governor Chris Christie announced that he would move to take over the Atlantic City casino district and put an end to state subsidized horse racing, supporters of the sport came together on Thursday as a unified front to send the message that they won’t go quietly.

The head of the state’s harness racing industry, Tom Luchento met with supporters, harness trainers, drivers and horsemen at the Meadowlands Track to urge them to attend next week’s Gaming Summit.

A legislator was also in attendance and told the group that they would have to consider other options to keep the industry open.

He said that the Governor has only said that he want to end state support. The Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association could take over the struggling industry and invest in off- track betting facilities (OTB’s) that could bring in $7 million a year and renegotiating contracts to broadcast more races from other states.