Poll: Should Bars Allow Betting on Horse Racing?

Both houses of the state Legislature are planning hearings on Thursday on a bill that would create a pilot program to allow betting on horse racing in New Jersey bars.

The legislation, sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli and state Sen. Paul Sarlo, creates a pilot program in northern Ocean County in which computer-betting terminals would be set up in a small number of bars and restaurants, according to NJ.com.

The legislation would allow wagering on in-state and out-of-state races in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Union, Morris, Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex,  Middlesex and Ocean counties.

Off-track parlors already exist in Vineland, and .

The bills will be heardd by the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee at 10 a.m. Thursday and the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee at 2 p.m. Thursday.