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New Jersey Weighs More Gambling Options
Updated: Monday, 26 Sep 2011, 6:27 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 26 Sep 2011, 6:27 PM EDT
By CHRISTINE PERSICHETTE
MYFOXNY.COM - More ways to gamble could mean more money for the Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey. But some critics say it will just mean more people with gambling addictions.
Jeff Beck hasn't placed a bet in 14 years. He is a recovering compulsive gambler with a passion for horses and football games. He said gambling is a fantasy that controlled his life. Now his passion is to help others like him. He is a counselor at the Council on Compulsive Gambling. Everyone there is concerned if sports betting becomes legal in New Jersey, they'll have a lot more clients.
"It's very clear from research that any expansion of opportunities to gamble and gamble legally increases the extent of problem gambling," said Don Weinbaum, the Council on Compulsive Gambling.
But Senator Ray Lesniak said that legalizing sports betting in racetracks and casinos would be a big economic boost for the state.
"We're talking about hundreds of millions of dollars that's currently being bet either through bookies run by organized crime or offshore internet operators," said Lesniak, a Democrat of Union County.
So the issue will be put on the ballot in November to see if New Jersey voters support the idea.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo is renewing his push for slot machines at the track now that New York is considering more casinos.
"We have to create a way of competing with our neighbors because now they're strangling Atlantic City," said Caputo, a Democrat of Essex County.
As Caputo continues his fight for the slots, the state will have to fight the federal government to get the OK for sports betting if voters pass the referendum in November.
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