Florida’s Proposed Gambling Bill Will Strangle Horse-Racing Industry: Insiders

It would legalize gambling beyond the racetrack in a way that hurts livelihoods across the state, a former congressman said.

The field breaks from the starting gate during the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla., on April 1, 2023. Al Bello/Getty Images

Floridians associated with the state’s horse industry say they’re worried about the potential effects of a bill that’s moving through the state Legislature.

The proposed legislation—House Bill 105 and Senate Bill 408—would “decouple” horse racing from pari-mutuel betting.