A Florida Senate committee voted to advance Senate Bill 408, which would remove the requirement for thoroughbred racetracks to conduct live horse racing in order to maintain their casino gaming licenses. The bill is part of a broader effort to “decouple” live racing from gambling operations, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Florida’s horse racing industry.
Opponents—including trainers, breeders, and members of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association—warn that this legislation threatens the future of the state’s $3.24 billion thoroughbred racing economy. They argue that it would devastate Ocala’s thriving equine industry and displace thousands of workers across the state.
Proponents, including Gulfstream Park’s Canadian parent company, claim the bill would provide flexibility in how facilities are operated and allow for a focus on more profitable ventures. However, critics view it as an attempt by out-of-state gaming interests to abandon Florida racing altogether.
As SB 408 moves closer to a full vote in the Senate, industry stakeholders are urging lawmakers to reject what they see as a short-sighted proposal that jeopardizes jobs, tradition, and Florida’s national standing in the world of thoroughbred racing.
Click the link below to read the full article by Ron Flatter at www.horseracingnation.com
https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Florida_Senate_committee_votes_to_advance_decoupling_bill_123
Photo: The Florida Channel
