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Bill

S 3621

Reduces minimum number of annually required thoroughbred horse racing dates under certain circumstances.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vin Gopal and 1 co-sponsor

The bill lets Monmouth Park, Meadowlands, and Freehold reduce minimum race dates if state purse subsidies are lower or absent, tying scheduling flexibility to funding levels.

Received in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3621

Summary of Bill S 3621 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

  • The bill amends current law governing the minimum number of thoroughbred and standardbred race dates that permit holders must schedule annually at Monmouth Park, Meadowlands Racetrack, and Freehold Raceway.
  • Its central aim is to reduce the minimum required number of thoroughbred race dates under certain funding scenarios for horse racing purses, reflecting changes in State purse subsidies.

Key provisions and changes

  • Thoroughbred race dates (Monmouth Park & Meadowlands)

    • Current baseline: Together, must schedule at least 141 thoroughbred race dates annually; can drop to as few as 50 with consent of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NJTHA). New provisions under the bill:
    • If the State does not appropriate any purse subsidies for horse racing:
    • The thoroughbred permit holder may reduce to as few as 25 thoroughbred race dates, either:
      • With written consent from the NJTHA, or
      • In the event purse subsidies are not appropriated at all.
    • If purse subsidies are appropriated but are less than $10 million (and more than $5 million):
    • The thoroughbred permit holder may reduce to as few as 40 thoroughbred race dates, provided the amount is more than $5 million but less than $10 million.
    • If purse subsidies are appropriated at the current level or more (i.e., at least $10 million), the bill does not change the existing minimum beyond what is already in statute.

  • Standardbred race dates – Meadowlands

    • Current baseline: Must schedule at least 151 standardbred race dates annually (Meadowlands).
    • Proposed change: May decrease to as few as 75 standardbred race dates with written consent from the Standardbred Breeders' and Owners' Association of New Jersey.

  • Standardbred race dates – Freehold Raceway

    • Current baseline: Must schedule at least 192 standardbred race dates annually (two permit holders at Freehold).
    • Proposed change: May decrease to as few as 75 standardbred race dates with written consent from the Standardbred Breeders' and Owners' Association of New Jersey.

  • Deleted clause: The provision that existed prior to amendments (P.L.2017, c.172, s.1) is deleted as part of this bill.

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • Thoroughbred industry: Monmouth Park (and Meadowlands’ thoroughbred operations) could operate with significantly fewer thoroughbred race dates under specific subsidy conditions or with association consent.
  • Standardbred industry: Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway could reduce the number of standardbred race dates under association consent.
  • State purse subsidies: The bill links permissible reductions to the level of annual purse subsidies allocated by the State (ranging from none to below $10 million but above $5 million, and otherwise).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status and actions (as of the provided history):
    • Introduced in the Senate on 2026-02-19 and referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.
    • Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments and moved to 2nd Reading on 2026-06-24.
    • Transferred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on 2026-06-11.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment if the bill passes.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • The bill creates flexibility for racetracks to scale back racing calendars in response to state funding levels for purses, potentially affecting:
    • Employment and income for horsemen, jockeys, track staff, and related businesses.
    • Scheduling, track operations, and fan engagement due to fewer race dates.
    • The financial stability of horsemen and associations tied to purse subsidies.
  • By linking reductions to purse subsidy levels, the measure incentivizes aligning State funding with the viability needs of racing operations.

If you need a side-by-side comparison with current law or a plain-language summary for a policy brief, I can format that as well.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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