The horse racing industry in New Jersey is governed by administrative rules and regulations set forth in the New Jersey Administrative Code at Title 13, Chapters 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 74A and 74B, and 74C.
Public access to Online Administrative Code
LexisNexis provides free online public access to a quarterly updated version of the New Jersey Administrative Code.
Please note that the online version of the Code is not the official Code and may not include the most recent changes to a rule.
Changes made within the last quarter can be found by clicking on the link located on this page entitled NJRC Rule Proposals or NJRC Adopted Rules, or through a search of the free online version of the New Jersey Register.
How to Locate a Rule
You can get the full text of any rule which is highlighted on this website by clicking here and following these steps:
- A “Free Public Access” page will appear. Click “I agree”
- In the box on the top (under New Jersey Administrative Code), insert the rule number, for example, 13:71-23.6, and click search. Click on the rule number in the result list,
OR
- Click on the “+” sign on the right hand side to open up Title 13, Law and Public Safety rules, and search for Chapters 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 74A, 74B, and 74C.OR
- The Racing Commission will respond to requests in writing for the Administrative rules and regulations. Please mail a check or money order in the amount of $15 payable to the New Jersey Racing Commission along with your request, or email your request to this agency.
- You may also reference the complete New Jersey Administrative Code at the New Jersey State Library on West State Street in Trenton, or by visiting one of the 3 New Jersey Law Libraries at Seton Hall, Rutgers-Newark, or Rutgers-Camden.
NJRC Rulings Search
NJRC Rulings will be posted on a weekly basis and accessed by searching a database using the search features below. A history of the Rulings will be maintained online.
NJRC Rule Proposals
Harness Racing – 2024 Proposals
10/07/2024 – Harness Racing – The Pick (N) (link to pdf copy of 56 N.J.R. 1947(a))
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:71-27.56
Proposal Number: PRN 2024-110
Harness Racing – 2019 Proposals
12/02/2019 – Harness Racing – Cancellation of Racing to Protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of Racing Participants (link to pdf copy of 51 N.J.R. 1750(a))
Proposed New Rule: N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.38
Proposal Number: PRN 2019-152
12/02/2019 – Harness Racing – Equine Fatality Report (link to pdf copy of 51 N.J.R. 1751(a))
Proposed Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:71-4.1 and 20.24
Proposal Number: PRN 2019-154
12/02/2019 – Harness Racing – Harness Racing – Whips; Restricted Use of Whip and Prohibition of Goading Devices (link to pdf copy of 51 N.J.R. 1753(a))
Proposed Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.14, 20.15
Proposal Number: PRN 2019-150
07/01/2019 – Harness Racing – Pylons (link to pdf copy of 51 N.J.R. 1101(a))
Proposed New Rule: N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.25
Proposal Number: PRN 2019-103
Horse Racing – 2024 Proposals
10/07/2024 – Horse Racing – The Pick (N) (link to pdf copy of 56 N.J.R. 1945(a))
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:70-29.52
Proposal Number: PRN 2024-109
Horse Racing – 2019 Proposals
12/02//2019 – Horse Racing – Cancellation of Racing to Protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of Racing Participants
Proposed New Rule: N.J.A.C. 13:70-1.43
Proposal Number: PRN 2019-151
12/02/2019 – Horse Racing – Equine Fatality Report
Proposed Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:70-2.1 and 14.16
Proposal Number: PRN 2019-153
Adopted Rules
2020
10/19/2020 – Harness Racing - Cancellation of Racing to Protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of Racing Participants (link to pdf copy of 52 N.J.R. 1940(a))
Adopted New Rule: N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.38
10/19/2020 – Harness Racing - Harness Racing - Whips; Restricted Use of Whip and Prohibition of Goading Devices (link to pdf copy of 52 N.J.R. 1940(b))
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:71-20.14, 20.15
2018
Harness Racing - 2018 Adopted Rules
8/20/18 – Harness Racing – Definitions; Exemption from Claim; Voidable Claims; Scratched Horse
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:71-4.1, 14.2A, 14.17B and 14.18
8/20/18 – Harness Racing – Split Sample Testing Procedures
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.4 and 23.15
5/7/18 –Harness Racing – Shock Wave Therapy; Penalties for Violating the Shock Wave Therapy Rules
Adopted New Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.17; N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.17A
5/7/18 – Harness Racing – Anabolic Steroids Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.16
2017
10/2/17 – Harness Racing - Notice of Readoption
Adopted Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:71
2016
12/19/16 – Harness Racing – Claiming
Adopted New Rules:
N.J.A.C. 13:71-14.2A, 141.17A, 14.17B and 14.37
Adopted Amendments:
N.J.A.C. 13:71-14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.10, 14.11, 14.12, 14.13, 14.15, 14.17, 14.18, 14.28, 14.32 and 14.36
Adopted Repeal: N.J.A.C. 13:71-14.26
2014
11/3/14 - Harness Racing-Intent of Medication Rules
Adopted Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.2, 23.1, and 23.16
2013
11/3/14 - Harness Racing-Intent of Medication Rules
Adopted Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.2, 23.1, and 23.16
2011
Harness Racing: Medication and Testing Procedures
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.4
Harness Racing: Medication and Testing Procedures
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:71-23.8
Proposal Number: PRN 2011-081
2010
Harness Racing Rules:
Continuation of Certain Race Events in Event of Declared State of Emergency:
Proposed New Rule: N.J.S.A. 13:71-1.37
Proposal Number: PRN 2010-164
Harness Racing Rules:
Proposed Readoption: N.J.A.C. 13:71
Proposal Number: PRN 2010-136
Representation by Attorney
N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.36
- No Comments
2008
Requirements Concerning the Wearing of Advertisement Material 13:71-19.7
- No Comments
Rules of practices and procedures - N.J.A.C. 13:71-1.27 through 1.36
- Includes Comments
2007
Out-of-Competition Testing for Epogen 13:71-23.4
- Includes Comments (60k pdf)
Standardbred Entries 13:71-16.5
- No Comments
Payments 13:71-27.41, 71-4.1
- No Comments (77k pdf)
Medication & Testing Procedures 13:71-23.8
- Includes Comments
Lasix at Off-track Locations13:71-23.8
- Includes Comments
Requirements Under Which Permitholders May Request Racing Commission Approval for New Pari-Mutuel Wagers 13:71-27.64
- Includes Comments
NJ Racing Commission Expiration of Mutuel Tickets 13:71-27.58
- Includes Comments (Unclaimed vouchers expire after three years and one day)
Sulky; Inspection Stickers; Certification 13:71-29.3
- No Comments
2006
Anti-Recombinant Human EPO Antibody Testing Program 13:71-23.14
Handicapping Contests Rules 13.71-27.61 - No Comments
Choose N 13:71-27.62
- Includes Comments
Declaration to Start and Drawing Horses 13:71-16.1
- Includes Comments
Elimination of Wagering 13:71-27.18
- Includes Comments
Medication and Testing Procedures13:71-23.8
- Includes Comments
The Pick (N) Rules 13:71-27.56
- Includes Comments
Group Bet 13:71-27.63
- Includes Comments
2005
Harness Racing Rules 13:71
- Includes Comments
2004
Trifecta 13:71-27.50
- Includes Comments
Coupled Entries 13:71-16.5
- Includes Comments
Penalties 13:71-2.3
- Includes Comments
Daily Doubles on a Single Race Day 13:71-27.47
- Includes Comments
Superfecta Carryover Method Payment 13:71-27.59
- Includes Comments
Superfecta Minimum Superfecta Race Qualifying Requirements 13:71-27.59
- Includes Comments
2003
Handicapping Contests 13:71-27.61
Veterinarian Practicing: Treatment Slips</em 13:71-9.2
Comments This comment document contains both 13:70-19.41 Veterinary Reports & 13:71-9.2 Veterinary Practicing: Treatment Slips
2020
10/19/2020 – Horse Racing - Cancellation of Racing to Protect the Health, Safety, and Welfare of Racing Participants (link to pdf copy of 52 N.J.R. 1933(a))
Adopted New Rule: N.J.A.C. 13:70-1.43
10/19/2020 – Horse Racing - Riding Crop Prohibited; Emergency Use of Riding Crop; Riding Crop (link to pdf copy of 52 N.J.R. 1934(a))
Adopted repeal and new rules: N.J.A.C. 13:70-11.12
Adopted New Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:70-11.12A, 11.12B
2018
8/20/18 – Horse Racing – Exemption from Claim; Voidable Claims
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:70-12.1A and 12.20A
8/20/18 – Horse Racing – Split Sample Testing Procedures
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:70-14A.4, 14A.13, and 14A.14
5/7/18 – Horse Racing – Definitions; Shock Wave Therapy; Penalties for Violating the Shock Wave Therapy Rules Adopted New Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:70-14A.18; N.J.A.C. 13:70-14A.18A Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:70-2.1
5/7/18 – Thoroughbred Racing – Anabolic Steroids Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:70-14A.17
2017
10/2/17 – Horse Racing - Notice of Readoption
Adopted Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:70
2016
12/19/16 – Horse Racing – Claiming
Adopted New Rules:
N.J.A.C. 13:70-12.1A, 12.20A and 12.38
Adopted Amendments:
N.J.A.C. 13:70-12.1, 12.4, 12.12, 12.13, 12.14, 12.15, 12.17, 12.19, 12.20, 12.23, 12.31, 12.36 and 12.37
Adopted Repeals:
N.J.A.C. 13:70-12.2, 12.28, 12.29, and 12.33
2014
11/3/14 - Horse Racing-Intent of Medication Rules
Adopted Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:71-14A.1, 14A.7, and 14A.17
2013
4/5/13 - Horse Racing Single-Pool Wagering
Adopted New Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:70-29A
2011
Horse Racing: Medication and Testing Procedures
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:70-14A.4
Horse Racing: Medication and Testing Procedures
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:70-14A.9
Proposal Number: PRN 2011-080.
2010
Horse Racing Rules -
Continuation of Certain Race Events in Event of Declared State of Emergency:
Proposed New Rule: N.J.A.C. 13:70-1.42
Proposal Number: PRN 2010-135
Horse Racing Rules:
Proposed Readoption: N.J.A.C. 13:70
Proposal Number: PRN 2010-135
Horse Racing: Eligibility; Registration Required
Proposed Amendment: N.J.A.C. 13:70-6.53
Proposal Number: PRN 2010-099
Representation by Attorney
N.J.A.C. 13:70-1.41
- No Comments
2008
Rules of practices and procedures - N.J.A.C. 13:70-1.32 through 1.41
- Includes Comments
Requirements Concerning the Wearing of Advertisement Material 13:70-9.51
- No Comments
2007
Out-of-Competition Testing for Epogen 13:70 14a.13
- Includes Comments
Post-Race Blood Gas Testing 13:70-14a.14, 14a.15, 14a.16
- Includes Comments
Coupled Horses (Breeder's Cup) 13:70-6.5
- No Comments
Coupled Horses 13:70-6.5
- Includes Comments
Claimed Horses 13:70-12.4
- No Comments
Payments 13:70-29.42,70-21
- Includes Comments
Medication & Testing Procedures 13:70-14A.9
- Includes Comments (Amicar)
Horse Racing Eligibility; Registration Required 13:70-6.53
- Includes Comments
Requirements Under Which Permitholders May Request Racing Commission Approval for New Pari-Mutuel Wagers 13:70-29.66
- Includes Comments
NJ Racing Commission Expiration of Mutuel Tickets
13:70-29.60 - No Comments (Unclaimed vouchers expire after three years and one day)
2019
12/02/2019 - Off-Track Wagering and Account Wagering (link to copy of 51 N.J.R. 1769(a))
Adopted Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:74-1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 6.11
12/02/2019 - Off-Track Wagering and Account Wagering (link to copy of 51 N.J.R. 1772(a))
Adopted Repeals and New Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:74-2.4, 2.5, and 2.6
Adopted Repeals: N.J.A.C. 13:74-2.7 and 2.8
07/15/2019 – Issuance of Sports Wagering License to Racetrack Permit Holder (link to copy of 51 N.J.R. 1209(a))
Notice of Administrative Correction
N.J.A.C. 13:74D-1.3 (adopted effective June 13, 2018)
04/01/2019 - Issuance of Sports Wagering License to Racetrack Permit Holder (link to copy of 51 N.J.R. 474(a))
Readoption with Amendments: N.J.A.C. 13:74D
Adopted New Rules: N.J.A.C. 13:74D-2.2 and 2.3
Adopted Repeal: N.J.A.C. 13:74D-1.3
NJRC Petitions for Rulemaking
| 2023 | |||
| December | |||
| 12/13/2023 | Request to amend N.J.A.C. 13:70-29.52 to allow the racing association, upon 48-hour notice to the Commission, to elect to pay out the Pick (N) pool, including carryover, on a selected day. |
John F. Heims, Esq., In-House Counsel, Monmouth Park Racetrack |
Notice of receipt of petition for rulemaking. |
| 2017 | |||
| September | |||
| Date of Receipt | Subject of Petition | Petitioner | Document |
| 9/6/2017 | Declaring a horse that tests positive for certain substances ineligible to race for 90 or more days. | Jason Settlemoir COO/General Manager New Meadowlands Racetrack |
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| 2017 | |||
| February | |||
| Date of Receipt | Subject of Petition | Petitioner | Document |
| 2/23/2017 | N.J.A.C. 13:74 New rule permitting New Jersey residents to place wagers with the NJ Account Wagering system while a resident is temporarily outside the state of New Jersey. |
Lewis Stein, Esq. | |
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| 2016 | |||
| None Available | |||
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| 2015 | |||
| None Available | |||
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| 2014 | |||
| July | |||
| Date of Receipt | Subject of Petition | Petitioner | Document |
| 7/7/2014 | N.J.A.C. 13:70-12 Claiming rule |
Michael Campbell Executive Director – N.J. Thoroughbred Breeders’ Assoc. |
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NJRC Statutes
Public access to online Racing Commission statute
The laws governing the New Jersey horse racing industry is governed by statutes beginning at N.J.S.A. 5:5-22, and the laws governing casino simulcasting of horse races can be found beginning at N.J.S.A. 5:12-191.
Access to these statutes can be found here.
You can get the full text of any statute governing horse racing and casino simulcasting here and following these steps:
-
In the left hand column, locate Laws and Constitution and click on “Statutes”
-
Search for “horse racing”
- Search until exact statute is located and click on statute