Senator Nick DiCeglie has filed a proposal (SB 1564) for the upcoming Florida legislative session that would remove the requirement for the state’s two remaining thoroughbred horse tracks, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs, to hold live races in order to offer other gambling options such as cardrooms and slot machines. This “decoupling” approach aligns with a similar bill introduced by Representative Adam Anderson and would treat thoroughbred tracks like former greyhound and harness-racing tracks that continue gambling operations without live races.

The proposal has faced strong opposition from groups like the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, which argue that eliminating the live racing requirement threatens the horse breeding industry, particularly in key regions such as Marion County. The debate centers on balancing the economic benefits of expanded gambling with the preservation of Florida’s thoroughbred racing and breeding heritage.