Summary:
- A new bill could let Gulfstream Park run its casino without hosting live racing.
- Passed its first challenge in the Florida House of Reps on Wednesday.
- Approved by the Subcommittee with a 14-4 vote.
Legislation in Florida that would allow Gulfstream Park to operate its casino without the requirement to host live racing took a significant step forward on Wednesday when it cleared its first hurdle in the states House of Representatives.
HB 105, which has sparked much debate, was approved by the Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee with 14 votes of support and only four opponents.
Opponents See the End of Gulfstream Park Ahead
Supporters argue that the government should not force private businesses to maintain unprofitable ventures. Rep. Adam Anderson, the bill’s sponsor, ahead of the vote said
It is not the legislature’s responsibility to force a business to operate a line of business that may not be profitable
However, the proposal has been met with fierce resistance from the state’s horsemen’s and breeders’ associations, along with national racing organizations.
On the other hand, opponents warn that its passage could mark the end of Gulfstream Park, one of Florida’s last two remaining Thoroughbred tracks.
Gulfstream’s parent company, 1/ST Racing and Gaming, has reassured stakeholders that, provided the bill passes, they will maintain live racing for at least three more years.
However, the company has not made any long-term commitments and has hinted at redevelopment plans for the site.
Marion County’s Rep.: “This Bill Will Kill This County”
Marion County’s Rep. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, citing economic impact reports commissioned by the Florida Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, strongly criticized the measure. “This bill will kill this county”, she stated.
During public testimony, trainer Jena Antonucci made an emotional plea against decoupling, warning of the devastating impact on the local racing community.
Hayes Hinson added
This will lead to less farm owners, less community, and less enrichment. The racing is just a very small portion of what happens. Racing is what happens when everything goes right.
Located on prime real estate in Hallandale Beach, Gulfstream Park’s casino operates under state laws that protect Florida’s gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe.
If the legislation fails, 1/ST Racing would still have the option to sell or redevelop the property, even if it means closing the underperforming casino.
Rep. Tobin Overdorf, who stands for districts located north of Miami, expressed support for the bill while acknowledging the Thoroughbred industry’s contributions.
However, he maintained that lawmakers should not obstruct business decisions.
As we go forward, we need to recognize something, Florida is about business.
The debate also revisited HB 7073 passed last year that allocated $15 million in state funding for Gulfstream, along with tax credits and subsidies for the racing and breeding industries.
While Hinson argued that these subsidies contradict efforts to pass decoupling, Overdorf insisted that the funding would remain intact regardless of the bill’s outcome.
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