Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Phone Wagering Begins in New Jersey

May 3, 2005

Phone wagering in New Jersey opened for business on Tuesday, May 3, 2005. The automated phone system is the latest addition to New Jersey Account Wagering [NJAW], which debuted on October 28, 2004 with the Internet-only service, www.4njbets.com.

"Technically, everything is running smoothly," said Senior Vice President Dennis O. Dowd. "We've already exceeded 3,000 accounts, and we're projecting a handle of more than $35 million for 2005, which is 20 percent beyond our expectations. With the high profile Triple Crown races, starting with the Kentucky Derby on May 7; the opening of Monmouth Park on May 14; the stakes-laden Championship Harness Meet at the Meadowlands and the addition of the touch tone voice recognition system, we anticipate even more interest in account wagering."

New Jersey Account Wagering - known as NJAW - is available for New Jersey residents only, age 18 and older. Betting is offered not only on New Jersey's tracks - Meadowlands, Monmouth Park and Freehold - but also on the incoming simulcasting signals offered by those facilities. The Internet service offers live streaming video for nearly all tracks and the new phone system will feature current day scratches and changes.

"In a short time New Jersey Account Wagering has grown by leaps and bounds," Dowd noted. "We have done a lot of internal marketing to our core customers and the response has been very positive. The Internet wagering has gone smoothly, and we have been able to gain valuable experience in building our business office. We now will be making a much stronger push for customers and in broadening the awareness that this opportunity exists for New Jersey residents to wager off-track."

A single NJAW account can be used to bet online, by phone and at the self-service terminals at New Jersey's racetracks.

"A great feature of the system is the ability to have access to your funds online, on the phone or at the track," Dowd added. "It is truly a 'universal account' for New Jersey horseplayers. We have received a lot of feedback on the system and its offerings, and we are always looking to make improvements and upgrade the user experience."

For information on an NJAW, call 800-498-9557 or 201-460-4141. NJAW is a joint venture between the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority [NJSEA] & Pennwood Racing.