As reported by iGaming Business, the New Jersey Senate is considering two bills, one concerning gambling advertising and another proposing to add slot machines to New Jersey’s horse racing tracks.
Democratic Sen. Joseph Cryan submitted SB2156, which focuses on limiting gambling advertising, specifically in cases where such promotions target self-excluded gamblers or children. SB2156 also seeks to address what it terms “fraudulent advertising practices.” However, the bill clarifies that it does not intend to restrict all forms of advertising within the industry.
Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Joseph Pennacchio has reintroduced SCR14, a proposal to install slot machines at horse racing tracks. The bill earmarks the additional generated revenue to contribute to improvements in Atlantic City. Sen. Pennacchio first introduced this bill in 2014 and has made several attempts since then to get it passed. However, the proposal failed to advance from the committee in 2020 and 2022.
The Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee will debate and evaluate both bills in the coming days. The proposed legislation comes at a time when New Jersey’s gambling industry has experienced disappointing results in the second half of 2023. This week, the New Jersey Legislature approved a bill to renew subsidies for racetrack purses through 2029 in an attempt to increase competitiveness.
These proposed bills add to other legislation efforts within the New Jersey gambling space after the recent approval of subsidies for racetrack purses.
