The outcome could reshape Florida’s racing and gambling landscape, although previous attempts have failed
A new proposal in Florida is reviving a heated debate over whether gambling should continue to be tied to live horse racing in the state. The bill, filed recently, would again attempt to remove a long-standing requirement that racetracks host races in order to offer gambling activities.
The measure, House Bill 881, was introduced by Rep. Adam Anderson and would allow gambling venues to operate without staging live horse races. Supporters say the goal is to update outdated rules that no longer reflect economic reality, especially as attendance and revenue tied to racing continue to decline.
Florida currently requires its remaining racetracks to run live events to keep licenses for slot machines and card rooms. The proposed change would separate, or “decouple,” racing from gambling, giving operators the option to drop racing altogether while keeping their gaming businesses open.
Backers of the bill argue that live racing has become too expensive to maintain and that decoupling would protect gamingrelated jobs. They believe forcing tracks to run unprofitable races only accelerates closures and financial strain across the industry.
Opposition remains strong, particularly from those tied to Florida’s horse breeding and training sector. Critics warn that removing the racing requirement would lead track owners to abandon the sport, harming breeders, farm workers, veterinarians, and others who depend on a functioning racing market.
The issue is especially sensitive in Marion County, a major hub for thoroughbred operations. Industry leaders there fear decoupling would reduce land values and push horse businesses out of state.
House Bill 881 is now heading to committee, where lawmakers will once again weigh economic pressures against tradition, jobs, and animal welfare.
