Rep. Adam Anderson has advanced HB 881 through the House Commerce Committee, aiming to decouple thoroughbred horse racing from other gambling activities and level the playing field among pari-mutuel operations. The bill, similar to a 2025 effort, would allow venues like Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to maintain casino operations without mandating live horse racing, aligning thoroughbred tracks with other pari-mutuel facilities. Despite opposition from the horse racing industry, which highlights the sport’s economic impact and job support, Anderson emphasizes his support for racing but advocates for free market principles and independent thriving of the industry.
Critics fear that decoupling could hasten the decline of horse racing in Florida, where breeding numbers have significantly dropped over the past two decades. The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Governor Ron DeSantis have expressed strong opposition, with DeSantis warning the bill could harm the industry despite previously signing related legislation in 2021. The bill includes provisions delaying any suspension of live racing until at least 2027, requiring continued racing for three years after notice of intent to suspend, indicating a cautious approach to potential industry changes.
