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Eager Patrons Descend on New OTB Parlor in Blackwood, N.J.

By Mark Abrams

BLACKWOOD, N.J. (CBS) -- A new off-track betting parlor opened its doors today in South Jersey, attracting a crowd of enthusiastic patrons.

It's called Favorites, and it's located inside the former Stone Grille on the Blackwood-Clementon Road in Gloucester Township.

"We've got 130 new televisions here, great bar, fifty-seat bar, outside deck, dining area for about a hundred people.  So, there's a little bit of everything for everyone here," says Chris McErlean (below), vice president for racing for Penn National Gaming, which is running Favorites.

McErlean_Chris Penn National _mabrams
Chris McErlean. Photo by Mark Abrams)

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"It's about time!" said Tom of Deptford.  "We've been waiting forever for this to happen. Thank God it's here!"

Tom said he had a hard time finding a parking space because the lot was nearly full.  And he couldn't wait to get inside.

"Most of us, my friends, we all go over to the ones in Philadelphia.  It's right here! It's convenient!  I'm off today -- boom, I'm here!"

 

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