Florida Gov. DeSantis Alarmed by Bills Splitting Racing and Gaming

There are two recent proposals in Florida that seek to separate live thoroughbred racing and gambling at two venues in the state. The proposed changes would decouple Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park, effectively removing the requirement for the venues to hold live thoroughbred races in order to offer gambling.

Proposals Are Expected to Affect Two Venues

One of the bills, House Bill 105 (HB 105), was filed with the House early in January this year. The proposal’s Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 408 (SB 408), was introduced near the end of January. Both proposals have since gained speed.

Most recently, HB 105 was reported out of the Commerce Committee. On the other hand, the Senate’s proposal is now with the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government.

Ultimately, the two bills aim for the same goal, which is to remove the requirement for live thoroughbred racing to take place at the two venues in order for them to offer gambling. Currently, Gulfstream Park allows slot machine gambling, while Tampa Bay Downs is permitted to offer card games.

Governor Highlights the Importance of Horse Racing, Vows to Track the Bills’ Progress

Supporters of the bills argue that decoupling is essential to help sustain the thoroughbred racing industry, which is already struggling. However, opponents disagree, claiming that if the two venues are no longer required to organize live racing as a requirement to offer gambling, the thoroughbred industry, which employs tens of thousands of people, would sustain a significant hit.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was equally concerned regarding the impact the two proposals may have. As announced by Central Florida Public Media, the Governor recently spoke about the two bills during a press conference in Ocala, revealing that he will closely monitor their progress.

“If you put Florida first then you’re looking to make sure that Floridians can be successful. And the horse breeding is part of our state’s culture. It’s part of the culture here.“

Gov. Ron DeSantis

The Governor spoke about Florida’s rich heritage, explaining that the thoroughbred industry is an inseparable part of the state’s culture. “I’m concerned with some of the things I hear about these proposals, about what that would mean for the viability of that going forward,” Gov. DeSantis added.

Late last month, the Florida Gaming Control Commission confirmed that Kindbridge Research Institute would be taking over the state’s problem gambling hotline. The transition to a new supplier is expected to help people seeking support due to compulsive gambling.