Florida Senate Committee Advances Decoupling Bills

A trio of gaming bills were advanced by the Florida State Senate Regulatory Industries Committee on Monday, reports the Tampa Bay Times. The legislation would decouple live racing and jai-alai at most of Florida's gaming venues and create a new gaming commission.

The Stronach Group President Mike Rogers flew in to Florida to contest the bills, arguing that passing them would lead to fewer race days in the state. TSG owns Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

“The consequences of creating an uneven playing field amongst slot permit holders would be devastating to the Florida Thoroughbred industry, which is one of the largest agricultural sectors in the state of Florida,'' Rogers said. “Any reduction in casino purses would significantly impact local jobs and the underlying stability of the horse racing industry.”

Read more at the Tampa Bay Times.

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Decoupling Again Under Consideration In Florida Senate

A trio of gaming bills are scheduled to be heard Monday by Florida's State Senate Regulatory Industries Committee, reports the Miami Herald. The legislation would decouple live racing and jai-alai at the most of Florida's gaming venues and create a new gaming commission.

Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, has been unable to reach a gaming deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida this season, and could be using this legislation as a “Hail Mary pass” as the end of the session approaches.

“Decoupling and a gaming commission are two things the Tribe is not opposed to and we think they are important,'' Sen. Travis Hutson, R-St. Augustine, chair of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, told the Miami Herald. “We hope the governor and Tribe will come together and resolve their issues in the next 72 hours to a week and we'll have some new progress.”

Read more at the Miami Herald.

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