A bill that would allow Gulfstream Park to operate its casino without any statutory obligation to live racing sailed through its first hearing on Wednesday in front of a Florida House of Representatives subcommittee.
The bill, which has the support of Gulfstream but is opposed by a large number of state and national racing organizations, passed easily out of the Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee, which has 18 sitting members, with only four votes in opposition.
“It is not the legislature’s responsibility to force a business to operate a line of business that may not be profitable,” said Rep. Adam Anderson, the sponsor of the bill, just before the vote was taken.
