NJ racing business abuzz after Supreme Court announcement

<p>New Jersey's racing business is buzzing after a surprise announcement this week from the Supreme Court on sports betting.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 30, 2017, 11:26 PM

Updated 2,626 days ago

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New Jersey's racing business is buzzing after a surprise announcement this week from the Supreme Court on sports betting.
The Meadowlands Racetrack took a major blow last year when New Jersey voted against expanding casinos. But now that the Supreme Court will take on sports betting, there is renewed optimism.
Sports betting is expected to bring in more money and increase racing purses. The idea of sports betting could put the track against its NFL neighbors. Officials say it's time for sports leagues to come around to the idea.
"Why sports betting is illegal is ridiculous, but the NFL has done a good job pretending people don't bet on the NFL," says racetrack operator Jeff Gural. "I know that's the only reason I watch football is because I do bet on the NFL and so does everybody else."
On Friday, the track celebrated its best-ever driver, John Campbell, who is from Canada but made New Jersey his home during a 40-year career. He's been called the Michael Jordan of harness racing.
Campbell has won a record six Hambletonian Stakes and has amassed some $300 million in purses. His cut was about $15 million -- much of that at the Meadowlands.