There’s an email flying around here stating that our town has been targeted by the NJ Sports & Exposition Authority as a possible site for an off-track betting facility. The first one in the state opened in October 2007 in Woodbridge.
Apparently the town has until March 10 to let the NJSEA know if we’re interested, and there will be a township committee meeting on February 25 to discuss the issue. It looks like they’re expecting a crowd- the meeting has been moved from the usual small meeting room in the town hall to the middle school auditorium.
I’ve received a few copies of the email already, coming from different directions. Most are just passing it on, but there are a few editorials attached here and there- all explicitly negative.
A few things.
The facility would be located on a major highway. Currently on that highway are everything from car dealerships to furniture stores to restaurants to… you name it, it’s there. The vast majority of people who patronize these businesses stay on the highway. They don’t venture into town unless they already live here. I live just down the road from the proposed location, and I’m not concerned about an influx of gamblers disturbing my peace.
The location is not near residences, schools, or churches. The existing business in the proposed location is a large car dealership.
OTB will provided needed revenue to the state. I hope we as hosting town would get a little piece of that action, too, but I’m not holding my breath on that one. Regardless, if the existing business in that location is leaving, we need something there to replace it. We already have too many vacant/underused buildings & properties in town.
Based on what I’ve seen about the OTB facility in Woodbridge, it’s set up like a sports bar/restaurant with a space containing individual screens for placing bets. The owner of the restaurant Tim McLoone was quoted as saying,
“”I can understand why people might be nervous of the off-track wagering facility because of the off-track betting [OTB] facilities in New York.”
“But that is not the case in New Jersey,” he said. “We were recruited by the NJSEA because we are family oriented and can cater to all ages.”
McLoone said there would be video screens, but there would be a separate entrance into the restaurant facing Ford Avenue.
“Patrons can come with their family and enjoy a burger and not know that there is gambling going on,” he said.
(Edison-Metuchen Sentinal October 18, 2007)
Are those opposed to OTB also opposed to sports bars?
Do they gamble in Atlantic City?
Do they play the lottery?
Do they go to the track?
What are the specific fears? Is it a concern about the patrons? Is gambling itself the issue?
Is it a case of “not in my backyard?”
I’m going to try to visit the Woodbridge site and have a look around myself. My initial reaction is that this facility may not be what I’d choose (because I rarely gamble) but I don’t think it’s a terrible idea, and I’m interested to hear what the NJSEA has to say.
I’ve added an update here, please read!
2 Comments
I’m having to think hard about my thoughts on gambling, too, as our new governor wants a constitutional amendment to allow casino gambling. While I enjoy going to the track occasionally, I shudder at the thought of casinos. Maybe I’ve seen too many bankruptcy petitions with heavy gambling losses. When people tell me “I only play the slots,” I’m flabbergasted. I’d at least prefer a card game where a little skill or strategy might figure in. But meanwhile, Kentuckians are spending their money at the Indiana casinos an hour away. Would I rather have the tax money staying in Kentucky? At this point I guess I’ll wait and see if the amendment comes to a vote and then make up my mind.
There is an OTB not too far from where my parents live. It originally was an actual race track, which slowly died. I have never in all the years it’s been there, heard any negatives about it. As far as tax revenue, I really couldn’t tell you what it does for the community (since I haven’t lived there in years), but I’ve never heard my parents or anyone else in that area complain about it being there.