Bettors who were unable to cash outstanding pari-mutuel tickets and vouchers last year due to the COVID-19 health crisis now have additional time to do so under a bill enacted by the New Jersey State Legislature.

Bill S3198, which was signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy, went into effect on May 11. It extends the claiming period for pari-mutuel wagering tickets and vouchers from six months to 12 months from the date of issuance or sale.

The bill was sponsored by State Senators Richard J. Codey and Vin Gopal and Assemblymen Ronald S. Dancer and Ralph R. Caputo.

“We appreciate the continued support that Gov. Murphy and our state legislators have shown for horse racing throughout the state,” said Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Darby Development, LLC, the operators of Monmouth Park. “This legislation provides a much-need grace period for people who were unable to cash winning tickets or vouchers due to the impact of COVID-19.”

According to the legislation “winning outstanding pari-mutuel tickets purchased from the beginning of Sept. 16, 2019 and ending on the date of the end of the Public Health Emergency declared by the Governor in Executive Order No. 103 of 2020 and as extended shall be eligible to be claimed and shall be payable during the period ending one year following the end of the Public Health Emergency.”

The extension covers pari-mutuel tickets and vouchers purchased at racetracks, off-track wagering facilities and casino simulcasting facilities throughout the state.