The Florida Gaming Control Commission has filed a 19-page motion asking a state court to dismiss the lawsuit brought by Gulfstream Park that aims to decouple its live racing licence from its slot-machine permit.
In the motion, the commission argues that Gulfstream failed to state a legally valid claim, misinterpreted Florida law and cannot avoid the long-standing requirement linking live racing and slot operations.
The commission pointed to recent legislative actions — including a $21 million appropriation to support live racing purses, maintenance and operations (with a portion earmarked for Florida-bred races) — as evidence of the state’s ongoing commitment to live horse-racing.
Gulfstream’s lawsuit had also argued that it was being treated unequally compared with other pari-mutuel operators, but the motion contends that argument fails under the law.
In short, the battle centres on whether Gulfstream can legally separate (or “decouple”) its live-racing obligations from its slot-machine business — and whether Florida regulators have the power to maintain the link. The outcome could have broader implications for live-race tracks and slot permitting in Florida and potentially beyond.
Click the link below to read the full article
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288556/florida-moves-to-dismiss-gulfstream-decoupling-suit?utm_source=BHTW&utm_medium=social
