National horsemen’s group, Gov. DeSantis pile on opposition to horse racing decoupling effort

National horsemen’s group, Gov. DeSantis pile on opposition to horse racing decoupling effort

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is throwing its considerable weight behind efforts to block legislation that would decouple live horse racing from card rooms and slot machines  The group produced and published a video opposing legislation on the move this Legislative Session that would allow, eventually, the state’s two existing thoroughbred horse tracks to end live racing. The video highlights what could ultimately…

Facing potential veto, Fla. decoupling hits House floor next week

Now facing the governor’s threat of a veto as well as an uncertain future in the state Senate, The Stronach Group’s push to decouple Gulfstream Park’s racing and slot-machine licenses goes to the full membership of the Florida House of Representatives next week. House bill 1467 was added to the special-order calendar for Wednesday. That is when it is scheduled to be heard on the floor for the first of two more readings before a potential vote. B…

Racing Change On Move in the House

After a Senate committee put the issue on hold, a House panel Tuesday continued moving forward with a proposal that would eventually allow Florida’s two thoroughbred horse tracks to offer other types of gambling without holding races. The House Commerce Committee voted 17-9 to approve a wide-ranging gambling bill that includes what is known as “decoupling” for Gulfstream Park in South Florida and Tampa Bay Downs. Under current law, the tracks ar…