A new bill in Florida, House Bill 105, is causing controversy as it proposes allowing the two remaining horse tracks in the state to stop offering live horse races and explore other gambling options like slot machines and card rooms. Marion County, home to the third-largest thoroughbred industry in the U.S., is concerned about potential economic fallout, including job losses and revenue decline.
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association, based in Ocala, warns that the bill could have devastating effects on the industry, which generates $3.2 billion in economic impact and supports over 33,000 jobs. CEO Lonny Powell argues that stopping live racing could harm Florida’s competitive standing in the horse racing world, potentially leading breeders and trainers to do business in other states.
Despite concerns raised by industry leaders, Rep. Adam Anderson, the sponsor of House Bill 105, defended the bill by stating that it supports the continuation of racing in Florida and allows horse tracks to make better business decisions to invest in their parks. The two horse tracks affected by the bill, Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park Racing, have declined to comment on the proposal.
