Tallahassee, FL – Gulfstream Park, one of Florida’s two remaining operational thoroughbred racetracks, has filed a lawsuit in the Florida Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the state’s Decoupling Act, a 2021 law that reshaped the relationship between live racing and gambling operations.
The racetrack is seeking an injunction to prevent the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) from enforcing a requirement that it must maintain a full calendar of live racing to retain its slot machine license—a condition not imposed on other gambling operators.
Legal Challenge: Equal Protection at Stake
Gulfstream Park argues that the Decoupling Act violates its equal protection rights under the Florida Constitution. While the law allowed parimutuel facilities to separate live racing from gambling operations—following the 2018 voter-approved ban on greyhound racing—it carved out an exception for thoroughbred racing, requiring tracks like Gulfstream to continue live racing to maintain their gaming licenses.
“This is a matter of fair and equal treatment under the law, which the Decoupling Act clearly and intentionally violates,” said Marie Long, General Counsel for 1/ST, Gulfstream Park’s parent company. “We remain committed to racing, but we cannot compete with private slot operators who are exempt from the same obligations.”
Industry Fallout and Legislative History
The Decoupling Act was designed to modernize Florida’s gambling landscape, allowing facilities to focus on more profitable gaming operations without the burden of hosting live racing or jai alai. However, lawmakers preserved the live racing requirement for thoroughbred tracks, citing their importance to agriculture, tourism, and rural employment.
Gulfstream Park contends that this carveout unfairly disadvantages its business model, especially as other operators enjoy greater flexibility. The track supported a 2025 legislative proposal to allow decoupling for thoroughbred venues, but the bill failed to pass.
Industry Response: A Threat to Racing’s Future?
The lawsuit has sparked concern among racing advocates. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, warned that overturning the law could destabilize the state’s racing ecosystem.
“This lawsuit is about Gulfstream Park wanting to operate a casino without fulfilling their racing responsibilities,” Powell said.
“It threatens family farms, rural jobs, and Florida’s multibillion-dollar agricultural economy.”
Florida’s last harness racing venue, Pompano Park, ceased live racing in 2022—less than a year after decoupling was enacted—raising fears that thoroughbred racing could face a similar fate.
What’s Next?
The Florida Supreme Court will now consider Gulfstream Park’s petition for declaratory relief and injunctive action. The outcome could reshape the regulatory framework for gambling and racing in Florida, with far-reaching implications for the state’s equine industry and gaming market.
