Rules and Regulations - New Jersey Office of Attorney General

Rules and Regulations

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,

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 – 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 – 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	Notice of receipt of petition for rulemaking Notice of action on petition for rulemaking (Final)

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.	Notice of receipt of petition for rulemaking Notice of action on petition for rulemaking (Final)

2016
None Available

2015
None Available

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.	Notice of receipt of petition for rulemaking Notice of action on petition for rulemaking (Final)

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: