Gambling In New Jersey Continues, At Least For Now

When Governor Jon Corzine began closing down nonessential New Jersey state government services today, horse racing and the lottery were the first casualties.

Race tracks are required to have state regulators from the Racing Commission in order to conduct live, simulcast or internet wagering However, the racing industry won a reprieve Saturday night when a state appellate court Judge Stephen Skillman issued a temporary stay that will allow thoroughbred and harness racing to temporarily continue operations despite Corzine's order.

Atlantic City's 12 casinos are in a similar situation because they also require state monitoring, but lawyers for the casino industry were challenging the close order in court. Casino monitoring personnel are paid by the casinos and not by the state’s taxpayers.

Casino association lawyer John Kearney said Saturday that the appeals panel had requested a briefing by noon Sunday, and that no action was expected until then.New Jersey Lottery sales were suspended at 7:55 p.m. Saturday, though drawings will continue because some people purchase tickets in advance. However, payments to winners will also be suspended until a budget is passed and signed by the Governor.

The state would lose an estimated $2 million in tax revenue every day the casinos are shut. The state had no immediate estimate on the state's cut from horse racing and lottery sales.

Road construction was also suspended as of Saturday, but N.J. Transit and toll roads remain unaffected because they are not directly funded by the state budget. Most of New Jersey's beaches are run by the cities and towns that own them and thus are not affected