The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are opposed to a proposal to eliminate the requirement for pari-mutuel businesses in Florida to conduct live events in order to offer slot machines or card rooms. Gulfstream Park and the South Florida horsemen’s association support House Bill 105, which would remove the link between live racing and gaming, known as decoupling.
The Stronach Group, which owns the 1/ST brand, supports decoupling and sees it as an opportunity for development at Gulfstream Park. The agreement ensures purse revenues are unaffected and provides additional contributions to horsemen’s workers’ compensation premiums and Thoroughbred aftercare efforts in Florida.
The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association opposes decoupling, stating that it is detrimental to the health and welfare of the horse racing industry. The South Florida horsemen’s group, not affiliated with the National HBPA, also opposes the proposed changes to Chapter 550 of Florida statutes. Gulfstream Park plans to run more than 200 live race days in 2025 and supports thousands of Florida horse owners and trainers.
