Florida House committee advances bill to decouple thoroughbred racing and gaming licences
The Florida House Commerce Committee approved the bill on a 15-9 vote.
US.- The Florida House Commerce Committee has voted in favour of House Bill 881, a bill that aims to decouple live horse racing from gaming operations in the state. The bill received 15 votes in favour and 9 against. It will now proceed to the House floor. If approved, it will go to the Senate.
Under current law, tracks must conduct live races to operate cardrooms or slot machines. Rep. Adam Anderson‘s bill would lift this requirement after a mandatory notice period, enabling standalone gaming while retaining permits as pari-mutuel facilities.
The proposal faces opposition from the state’s horse racing industry. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association (FTBOA) CEO Lonny Powell has said that decoupling would have a destabilising effect.
“FTBOA and our industry partners are working on live racing solutions to replace Gulfstream’s inevitable exit—but we need time and support. This bill offers neither,” he said. “Notably, to date there has been zero public or racetrack testimony in support of decoupling. For a bill this controversial to advance without a single supportive witness is extraordinary.
“United with our fellow horsemen, breeders, owners, trainers, and industry partners, we remain committed to protecting this vital agricultural sector as the bill moves forward.”
