Florida House Committee To Consider Bill To Eliminate Racing Requirement

Florida's House Commerce Committee to Consider Bill to Eliminate ___ Racing Requirement for Thoroughbred Horse Tracks The Florida House Commerce Committee is set to consider a bill that could significantly impact the state's horse racing industry. The proposed legislation, known as decoupling, would eliminate the requirement that the state's two remaining thoroughbred horse tracks, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, hold ___ races in order to operate cardrooms and, in the case of Gulfstream, slot machines.

The bill has been met with opposition from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and other critics, who argue that it poses a threat to areas such as Marion County, which is a major player nationally in horse breeding. They claim that decoupling would lead to the end of racing in the state.

However, "supporters of the bill," "including Representative Steve Anderson.".. argue that it would give the tracks the tools they need to make better business decisions and make their tracks more profitable. Anderson stated that his goal is to support the horse-racing industry... and he believes that decoupling would help achieve this goal.

The committee's consideration of the bill marks a significant development in the ongoing debate over the future of horse racing in Florida.

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Gulfstream Park, located in Hallandale Beach, Florida, has a rich history dating back to 1952 when it was founded by a group of investors. Initially, the track was built on the site of a former orange grove and was known as the Miami Turf Club. Over the years, the track has undergone significant expansions and renovations, including the addition of a new grandstand and the conversion of the infield into a shopping and dining complex.

Gulfstream Park has hosted numerous prestigious racing events, including the Florida Derby and the Breeders' Cup. Gulfstream Park is also home to the Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino, which features a variety of gaming options, including card rooms and slot machines. The track's history is deeply intertwined with the state's horse racing industry, and decoupling, "the proposed bill.".. has sparked debate about the future of the sport in Florida.

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The state's House Commerce Committee on Monday is scheduled to take up a bill aimed at eliminating a requirement that Florida's two remaining thoroughbred horse tracks hold races to be able to offer other types of gambling. It cleared the House Industries ⁘ Professional Activities Subcommittee last month, amid opposition from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and other critics who said it posed a threat to areas such as Marion County, which is a major player nationally in horse breeding.