Gulfstream Park Racing Association has filed a lawsuit challenging a 2021 Florida law that requires thoroughbred tracks like Gulfstream to continue live racing in order to operate slot machines, arguing this mandate is an unconstitutional “special law” that unfairly targets Gulfstream and undermines its competitiveness. The law, which removed similar requirements for other pari-mutuel facilities such as harness-racing tracks and jai alai frontons, leaves Gulfstream as the only thoroughbred track obligated to maintain live races to keep its lucrative slot operations. Gulfstream contends this creates an unequal playing field, violating the Florida Constitution’s prohibition on laws granting special privileges or imposing burdens on particular entities.

The lawsuit claims the law subjects Gulfstream to excessive fines, license revocation, and potential criminal prosecution if it fails to meet the live racing requirement, while other pari-mutuels in Miami-Dade and Broward counties can offer slots without such conditions. Gulfstream argues this differential treatment amounts to an unconstitutional equal protection violation and severely disadvantages the track compared to competitors. The suit seeks a permanent injunction preventing the state from enforcing the live racing mandate or suspending Gulfstream’s slot license for noncompliance. Previous legislative efforts to decouple racing from slot operations for thoroughbred tracks failed amid opposition from the horse racing industry, which fears the demise of thoroughbred racing in Florida.