The Florida House Commerce Committee has approved House Bill 881, allowing pari-mutuel track owners to operate casinos without live horse racing. Sponsored by Rep. Adam Anderson, the measure faces opposition from the thoroughbred industry amid concerns over the sport's future. A similar Senate bill awaits committee hearings.
On February 3, 2026, the Florida House Commerce Committee advanced House Bill 881, known as the Pari-Mutuel Wagering bill, following its approval by the House Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee last month. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Adam Anderson, seeks to decouple thoroughbred horse racing from other gambling activities at tracks like Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach and Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa. This would permit these venues to maintain casino operations without requiring live races, aligning them with provisions from a 2021 law (SB 2A) that decoupled pari-mutuel operations in South Florida.
Anderson emphasized free market principles in supporting the bill, stating, “I want to see it thrive, but I want to see it thrive independently, because we value free market principles.” He acknowledged feedback from horse breeders and noted his own involvement in the racing industry for nearly a decade. A strike-all amendment simplified the language but preserved the bill's core intent.
The measure echoes a 2025 effort that cleared the House and one Senate committee but stalled. Supporters argue it levels the playing field for pari-mutuel facilities by making gambling activities independent. However, the thoroughbred industry strongly opposes it, warning that decoupling could end horse racing in Florida. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association (FTBOA) issued a statement against the bill, highlighting the industry's $3.24 billion economic impact and support for over 33,000 jobs, excluding tourism benefits.
Declining numbers underscore the challenges: Florida bred about 4,500 foals in 2002, dropping to 1,000 by the end of 2025. The FTBOA collects a percentage of race revenue, even for non-Florida horses. The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association plans to lobby against it, as it did last year.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who signed the 2021 decoupling law, has threatened a veto, saying the legislation would “have the effect of harming the industry.” The bill includes a phased approach: no suspension notices until July 1, 2027, with racing required for at least three years thereafter.
A companion Senate Bill 1564, sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, has not yet been heard in committees.
