NJ Assemblyman Praises New Law Protecting Racetrack Winnings

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Anyone who’s worried about claiming a winning parimutuel ticket at a New Jersey racetrack amid the pandemic can take a breath of relief, a state assemblyman says.

On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed S-3198/A-5078 into law. It will give people more time to claim outstanding parimutuel tickets, a form of horse betting where those holding winning tickets divide the total amount in proportion to their wages.

Now, people can claim outstanding parimutuel tickets up to 12 months after the date it was issued instead of six, according to a statement from Assemblyman Ralph Caputo of the 28th District.

The extension will include tickets that were purchased online and in-person. Additionally, there will be a one-year extension for unclaimed cash vouchers that reach the three-year expiration date before the end of the public health emergency, Caputo said.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all racetracks in New Jersey were shut down for months, preventing many from receiving their unclaimed parimutuel tickets.

“We can allow people to feel safer and more comfortable by extending the period in which they can claim their tickets,” Caputo said. “There has been uncertainty and worry about how patrons can claim their winnings, and this law will ensure that they receive what is owed to them.”

The 28th District includes Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Newark and Nutley.

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