The House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee in Florida recently approved a bill that has the potential to revolutionize the gambling industry in the state. If the measure is approved, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, Florida’s two remaining horsetracks, would no longer be required to host live races in order to provide other forms of gambling.
Adam Anderson, the bill’s sponsor, argued that decoupling would enable the tracks to make more profitable business decisions. He stated that his primary aim is to “support” the horseracing industry by allowing tracks the freedom to diversify their operations beyond live racing. Under the new proposal, Gulfstream Park could operate cardrooms, while Tampa Bay Downs could offer slot machines, increasing their revenue streams.
But there has been strong opposition to the plan. Decoupling, according to critics like the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, might have a negative effect on Florida’s horse breeding sector. Concerns were raised by CEO Lonny Powell, who said the law might result in a large loss of jobs and endanger towns like Marion County.
Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park have both stated their support for the bill in spite of the criticism. According to Jeff Johnston, lobbyist for Gulfstream, the track already has plans to hold 200 days of races in 2025 and 2026. Four years after Florida lawmakers adopted similar decoupling regulations for harness-racing tracks, the bill is set to be presented during the next legislative session, which starts on March 4.