The Florida bill proposes removing the requirement for horse tracks to run live races to provide other gambling. Proponents claims to provide truck flexibility and encourage investment. This will lead to valuable game licenses being sold to out-of-state profits.
A bill that allows horses to track their freedom to provide gambling without relying on horses is on the way in the Florida House of Representatives, but it’s not without some kind of pushback.
This bill (Thoroughbred Transmitter, HB 105) affects two active horse tracks remaining in Florida. Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach with slots and electronic table games. Tampa Bay Downs has a 25-table poker room.
According to current law, trucks must host at least 40 events per year to obtain a state gambling license. The bill removing the requirement cleared the first committee of the two committees earlier this month with 12-4 votes.
What is known as the “decoupling” bill has been introduced to Congress in recent years. Splitting a slot machine from horse racing may help horse trucks struggle, but it can destroy the horse industry. Still, betting on thoroughbred horse racing last year has declined for the third consecutive year.
Some local economies in Florida, such as Marion County, rely on the thoroughbred horse industry. According to Florida Agricultural Consumer Services, the county ranks 35% of Florida horses and 46% of thoroughbreds as the third largest horse state in the United States.
State Senator Adam Anderson, R-Palm Harbor, sponsor of this year’s bill, said the track is not planning to stop racing completely, but removing the requirements for live racing will make the track more flexible.
“We’ve removed this burdensome anti-business policy and provide better options to either track your ability to do what you want on unused land as an example or run your business plan.” Anderson told USA Today Network-Florida. “The two trucks that operate in the state are interested in reinvesting it into their truck.”
However, state horse breeders and Florida Indian Mikkoski tribes believe that decoupling threatens the future of horse racing and eliminates key regulations that protect Floridians from outside interests.
“It will change the landscape of Florida’s games,” said Talbert Cypress, chairman of the Mycosky tribe. The tribe is one of two federally recognized tribes in Florida. The other is the Seminole tribe of Florida.
The Seminoles have something called “Game Compact,” and are agreements with states that allow tribes to run casinos and provide sports betting, but the Miccosukee Tribe has signed a Class II game contract with the federal government. I’m here. This allows you to control bingo-style slot machines and provide card games like poker.
“Licenses are real value,” Cypress added. “They removed horse racing, their game licenses became invaluable and they could sell to anyone. They could sell to people coming out of the state.”
The Florida Seminole tribe has not commented on the proposed law, spokesman Gary Bittner told USA Today Network-Florida.
Florida has only three of these permits. Racing Program, Inc., operated by GulfstreamParkRacing Association Inc. and Gulfstream Park in Broward County. Later Gulf Stream Park Thoroughbred. It operates in Tampa Bay Downs, Inc., Tampa Bay Downs, Hillsboro County.
The Florida Solabread Breeders and Owners’ Association criticized the bill and established the Thoroughbred Race Initiative.
“The thoroughbred race in Florida is under attack,” Tori President David O’Farrell said in a press release. “The bill introduced in the Florida Legislature threatens the future of live racing, breeding, 33,500 jobs and a $3.24 billion economic impact. This is not just a Florida issue. The ripple effects are It will affect races and breeding across the country.”
“For decades, Florida lawmakers have protected the thoroughbred industry, but the bill prioritizes the benefits of jockeys, breeders and businesses in their industry’s huge agricultural business and contribution to tourism. We must stand up now to secure a future for Thoroughbred Race.”
Anderson said the decoupling doesn’t mean the track will stop the race. The law only requires 40 races a year to retain a gaming license, but Gulfstream hosts as many as 200 people.
The final stop on the bill is the former House Commerce Committee that can be heard on the floor there. The Senate version of the bill (SB 408), hosted by Senator R-Zephyrhills, has not yet been heard on the committee. Burgess did not respond to requests for comment.
USA Today Network’s State Watchdog Reporter AnaGoñi-Lessan – Florida can visit agonilessan@gannett.com.
