TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida’s jai alai frontons, quarter horse and harness horse racing tracks might select to not conduct dwell occasions and nonetheless be capable to function poker and slot machine rooms underneath a invoice unanimously accepted by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Monday.
Thoroughbred horse tracks would nonetheless must conduct dwell racing underneath the invoice, and whereas greyhound racing is now unlawful in Florida, allow holders might nonetheless run card rooms and slots. Allow holders wouldn’t be capable to transfer their licenses to new areas.
There was little debate on the invoice, although some within the pari-mutuel business expressed considerations. Mike Rogers, president of racing for the Stronach Group, which owns the Gulfstream Park thoroughbred observe in Broward County, mentioned there ought to be some type of monetary penalty for pari-mutuels in the event that they cease dwell occasions.
“The web have an effect on of this determination locations that thoroughbred business at a severe aggressive and financial drawback,” Rogers mentioned.
As a result of pari-mutuel services would be capable to decrease their working prices, they’d be capable to spend extra on advertising and participant rewards incentives to draw gamblers. He recommended that let holders who determine to not maintain dwell occasions contribute to a standard purse pool to assist the thoroughbred business conduct a full racing schedule.
