Following the announced closure of one of the state’s preeminent horse racing training facilities, Senator Oroho today reiterated his call for a referendum to expand gaming beyond Atlantic City. Last week it was announced that after 36 years in business Showplace Farms in Millstone would be closing in October.

Sen. Oroho said an expansion of gaming beyond Atlantic City would help boost the state’s horse racing industry and related businesses. (Flickr)

“It’s no secret the equine industry in New Jersey has been struggling as racetracks here have to compete with larger purses in neighboring states that are fueled by casinos,” said Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “To give the breeders, trainers and boarding facilities across New Jersey a fighting chance we have to even the playing field and that starts by opening up gaming across the state. The fact that the announced closure of Showplace Farms came soon after it became clear the legislature had run out of time to put the referendum on the ballot this November should be a wake up call.

Adding gaming at NJ racetracks would leverage these assets to their fullest potential, grow attendance & prize purses http://t.co/NETBNi4dW0

— Senator Steven Oroho (@stevenoroho) July 28, 2015

“The equine industry is far too valuable to New Jersey to continue to sit back and do nothing,” Oroho continued. “There are a plethora of related small businesses and their employees that support the racing industry and depend on its success. Before more businesses lose hope and close their doors the legislature needs to take steps to put a referendum on the ballot next year. We have to show those in the industry that we are committed to moving forward with an expansion of gaming.”

“Expanding gaming beyond Atlantic City opens up a host of opportunities to increase state revenue and grow jobs, whether it’s a full-fledged casino at the Meadowlands, gaming at other racetracks or smaller boutique gaming rooms that are popular as an amenity at resort destinations,” Oroho concluded. “By creating more opportunities, we will help bring additional needed revenue and jobs to New Jersey and provide additional funding to support essential state services while also preserving open space by keeping horse farms in existence. Adding gaming at the state’s racetracks would help leverage these assets to their fullest potential by boosting attendance at races, creating larger prize purses and bringing in additional revenue to support the industry as a whole.”