Racing officials reacted to mounting pressure on Saturday and canceled six non-stakes horse races and delayed the $1 million Haskell Invitational by two hours.
"We'd like to stop it before it actually gets into the venue," said Oceanport Police Chief Michael Kelly. "They're showing up to Monmouth Park intoxicated and impaired."
Hundreds of locals and not-so-locals took a trip to the racetrack to witness Gov. Phil Murphy make the first two legal sports bets, and to join in a historic moment for the state.
Legal sports betting could begin in New Jersey at any time, now that legislation allowing it has passed. It might even start before Gov. Phil Murphy signs it.