Tallahassee: Before they can set up slot machines, Broward County's four parimutuel facilities could be forced to reach agreements with breeders and jai-alai players about how much slot revenue will go toward prize money.
A House bill that passed its first of three committees Thursday would require the
venue owners to agree on a revenue percentage with the breeders and owners of
horses and greyhounds that race at the sites, as well as jai-alai players.
Broward County voters last year approved a measure to allow slot machines at four
venues: Dania Jai-Alai in Dania Beach, Pompano Park in Pompano Beach, and
Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.
A state law passed in December ordered an agreement between owners of
thoroughbred horses and racetrack owners about the percentage of slot money that
will be used for race purses. This bill, sponsored by Will Kendrick, a Carrabelle
Democrat and others, extends that legislation to include the owners of racing dogs,
standardbred horses and the jai-alai players association.
-- EVAN S. BENN
FGA NOTATION: Approximately 1,500 greyhounds race the South Florida Circuit. This issue is not an issue of just kennel operators racing Hollywood and Flagler. It is an issue that represents the interest of hundreds of FGA and NGA members throughout the United States.