A Florida legislator has reintroduced a measure that would allow the state’s remaining thoroughbred racetracks to continue operating gambling facilities without holding live horse races, restarting a debate that divided lawmakers and industry groups in the previous session. The proposal, filed this week in Tallahassee, would change long-standing requirements linking pari-mutuel wagering to live racing and could reshape the future of horse racing in the state.
House Bill 881 was submitted by Rep. Adam Anderson, a Republican from Pinellas County. The bill targets Florida’s two active thoroughbred venues, Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach and Tampa Bay Downs, by removing the obligation to stage live races in order to keep cardrooms or slot machines in operation.
Renewed Legislative Push On Decoupling
The filing marks another attempt to advance the concept known as decoupling, which has faced narrow defeats and strong resistance in recent years. Anderson previously backed similar legislation that passed the House during the 2025 session but later stalled in the Senate after drawing objections from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Under HB 881, both tracks could formally notify the Florida Gaming Control Commission on or after July 1, 2027, of their intention to stop hosting live races. After submitting that notice, the tracks would have to continue racing for three additional years before ending operations on the track. If the timeline plays out, live racing at Gulfstream Park could conclude as early as 2030 while its slots casino remains open.
Tampa Bay Downs, which does not operate slot machines, would still be able to offer cardroom gambling without live racing.
Supporters of the proposal argue that it modernizes Florida’s gambling framework and aligns thoroughbred tracks with former greyhound and harness racing facilities.
Industry Concerns And Regional Impact
Opposition to decoupling remains intense, particularly among breeders and owners who see live racing as the foundation of Florida’s horse economy. Critics warn that ending racing at the tracks would ripple through related businesses, especially in Marion County, which holds a prominent position in national horse breeding.
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and other groups have argued that decoupling threatens jobs, training operations, and the broader agricultural network tied to racing. They point to the narrow margin by which a similar bill failed last session as evidence of ongoing concern within the Legislature.
Despite the criticism, both Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs have expressed support for the current bill, viewing it as a way to preserve revenue streams while adjusting to changing market conditions.
New Provision Involving Training Centers
HB 881 includes a provision not seen in earlier versions of the proposal. The bill would allow a pari-mutuel permit holder to lease space or conduct live racing at another permitted facility or at a thoroughbred training center located within 50 miles of the original track. Gulfstream Park’s Palm Meadows Training Center in Palm Beach County falls within that distance.
The language sets limits on that option. A thoroughbred permit holder that relocates pari-mutuel operations to a training center would not be allowed to operate a cardroom at that location.
Florida’s 2026 legislative session begins Jan. 13.
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