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Florida’s long-running debate over the future of horse racing has heated up again with the filing of House Bill 881.
The measure, introduced by Rep. Adam Anderson of Pinellas County, would allow racetrack operators to keep their gambling businesses without staging live races. Known as “decoupling,” the proposal targets the state’s last two active venues.
Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, which combines thoroughbred racing with casino games, dining, and shopping, would be affected. Tampa Bay Downs, a track knownfor its racing history and 25-table poker room, would also fall under the bill.
A second push
Those who are backing the bill continue to argue that the change would give track owners more freedom and reflect the changing realities of their business. They say separating racing from gambling would modernize operations, while critics warn it could cripple the state’s equine industry, especially in Marion County, where thousands of jobs depend on breeding, training, and racing.
The bill is similar to the one that was narrowly defeated in the last legislative session. However, supporters have refused to let it go. They have also taken the fight to court, pushing to strike down the current requirement that gambling and racing remain tied together.
Industry leaders have voiced alarm over what the measure could mean for their livelihoods, and the issue has already reached the governor’s desk. Ron DeSantis met with breeders and trainers at Ocala Breeders Sales Company, a major auction hub, in April, where he opposed decoupling but stopped short of promising a veto if the bill advances.
“The concern is that once live racing is no longer required, it becomes much easier for tracks to walk away from it entirely,” explained David O’Farrell, general manager of Ocala Stud Farm.
“There are still a couple of bills in the House that are technically alive, so we’re hoping to run out the clock and buy time. That would give our industry a chance to negotiate or find a workable solution before next year’s session.”
Source: Gambling News
