TRI

The Florida Legislature is deliberating a significant change to the state’s horse racing industry through proposed legislation that would allow Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach to operate its casino without the requirement to conduct live horse races. This move, known as “decoupling,” is part of a broader effort to modernize Florida’s gambling laws.

In a heartfelt letter to the editor published by the Ocala Gazette, David O’Farrell, General Manager of Ocala Stud and a third-generation Florida horseman, voices strong opposition to proposed legislation—House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408—that aims to decouple live horse racing from casino gaming operations in Florida.

David O’Farrell, a third-generation horseman and general manager of Ocala Stud Farm, warns against Florida’s proposed House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408, which aim to “decouple” live horse racing from gaming operations. This legislation would permit venues like Gulfstream Park to operate casinos without hosting live races, jeopardizing the state’s $3.24 billion thoroughbred industry and 33,500 associated jobs. O’Farrell emphasizes that Gulfstream Park’s parent company has previously abandoned racing venues in other states, raising concerns about their commitment to Florida’s racing heritage. He urges lawmakers to reject the bills to protect the livelihoods of thousands and preserve Florida’s esteemed position in the horse racing world.

The Florida Senate Committee on Regulated Industries approved Senate Bill 408, a contentious piece of legislation aimed at decoupling live horse racing requirements from casino operations at venues such as Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. An amendment extended the transition period from five to seven years, allowing these facilities to continue racing operations before the decoupling takes effect. Despite significant opposition from industry stakeholders—including trainers, owners, breeders, and veterinarians—who fear the bill could undermine Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry, the committee emphasized that this approval marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue to address the future of horse racing in the state. ​

On April 1, the Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee voted 5-2 to advance Senate Bill 408, which seeks to “decouple” live horse racing from casino gaming licenses. If enacted, the bill would allow facilities like Gulfstream Park to operate casino games without the obligation to conduct live racing. Proponents argue this change offers operational flexibility, while opponents, including industry stakeholders, warn it could devastate Florida’s thoroughbred racing sector, jeopardizing over 33,000 jobs and a $3.24 billion economic impact. The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

A Florida Senate committee has advanced a bill that would allow Gulfstream Park to operate its casino without the statutory obligation to conduct live horse racing—a process known as “decoupling.” However, the bill includes an amendment requiring Gulfstream Park to maintain live racing for at least seven more years. Proponents argue that decoupling offers operational flexibility, while opponents fear it could undermine Florida’s thoroughbred racing industry, which supports over 33,000 jobs and contributes $3.24 billion annually to the state’s economy. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

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.

The Tampa Bay Downs Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (Tampa Bay Downs HBPA) has intensified its opposition to Florida’s proposed decoupling legislation, specifically House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408.

The Tampa Bay Downs Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (Tampa Bay Downs HBPA) has intensified its opposition to Florida’s proposed decoupling legislation, specifically House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408.

Dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse, who operates one of the largest thoroughbred training centers in the world in Ocala, told a ‪@FloridaHouseofRepresentatives‬ committee that Casse Racing spends $600,000 a month on training operation expenses and another $225,000 in feed, hay, shavings and waste removal “all paid to local vendors