Governor Ron DeSantis is no fan of the idea of decoupling slot licenses from live racing, despite that idea’s growing momentum in the Florida legislature.
House Bill 105 emerged from committee last month with a 15-7 vote and has advanced to the floor of the Florida House of Representatives. However, Gov. DeSantis is concerned about the potential legislation, according to Central Florida Public Media:
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. 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.
There is also a companion bill in the Senate, which is under SB 408.
What decoupling means in Florida
Decoupling slot licenses from its racing and gaming license means that it would allow thoroughbred racetracks offer slots at the facility without live racing.
There are slot operators in Florida that already decoupled. The bill would extend the same advantages to Gulfstream Park, the last racetrack that still needs to conduct live racing in order to retain its slots license.
In addition, Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar would be able to operate its cardroom without live racing. The two facilities would join Calder Casino, Hialeah Park, and Pompano Park as the state’s decoupled horse tracks.
Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, who introduced the Senate bill, amended it last week to delay the decoupling for seven years. At a hearing in Tallahassee, Burgess reiterated that he’d never hurt the horse racing industry:
“I actually took this bill on because I believed and was concerned that without a change, the ultimate ending is already in writing and it’s coming and it’s just a when that happens.
“And so I truly see this as something that’s … necessary to ensure the success of an industry like yours, so that that continues, the legacy continues for the next generation.”
As of right now, the governor seems to have his concerns about more racetracks decoupling slots.
