Wishful “American Dreaming” by N.J. Assemblyman?

New Jersey Assemblyman Ron Dancer says he’s looking to increase the benefits and excitement of horse racing to a greater audience, so he’s introduced a bill that would allow the lessee of the Meadowlands Racetrack to operate a simulcasting facility at the American Dream Meadowlands retail and entertainment complex, formerly known as Xanadu. Most say it is a vast understatement to call the former Xanadu an eyesore. It’s most often referred to as monstrosity and it’s no sure bet enough businesses will line to lease all of its space when and if it’s finally completed.

An optimistic Ron Dancer says any agreement reached between Jeff Gural, the racetrack’s anticipated new operator, and the Triple Five Group, owners of American Dream, would need to be approved by the New Jersey Racing Commission. The first phase of the American Dream complex is projected to open in the Fall of 2013. In the event an agreement is reached for simulcasting at American Dream, it would not count towards the limit of the 15 off-track wagering facilities authorized to be licensed for simulcasting under the “Off Track and Account Wagering Act.”

“The American Dream complex will be one of the top retail and entertainment attractions in the country, generating great interest and large crowds,” explains Dancer. “This is an opportunity to expand horse racing’s fan base to people who aren’t familiar with racing or visit the track by capitalizing on the attractions offered at American Dream.”