This week's attempts at expanding gambling in Florida were not unexpected. Obviously, Florida's horsemen are relieved that the end-run full decoupling amendments floated during these past few days were unsuccessful, but more important than that, we are pleased to know that our state legislators have taken pause to recognize and better understand the far-reaching positive economic impact of the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Standardbred industries here in the "Horse Capital of the World."
With Florida's laser focus on creating business and jobs, our horsemen -- racehorse owners, trainers, breeders and their employees -- have often felt disenfranchised as to why their economic contributions don't seem to be on the political radar. Indeed, during this session, thousands of people who do business in Florida's horse racing industry and the tens of thousands of people we employ seemed to be almost unwanted, if not oddly cast aside as disposable and non-human in the push by Big Casinos to put a one-armed bandit on every Florida corner.
Horsemen don't think there will ever be an appropriate time or place to diminish the importance of anyone's job or business, especially when it garners the type of big money, international interest and financial success that Florida's horse racing industry does.
Make no mistake, however. There will be no reprieve. Like a giant money-sucking vacuum to Florida's economy, the Big Casino expansion forces behind decoupling are plotting their return, of that horsemen are 100 percent certain.
"Meanwhile, slot revenue will continue to be put to work in Florida the way voters intended -- hand in hand with live racing days to provide economic incentives that keep us competitive with more aggressive horse racing and breeding programs in other states, states that actively continue to try to lure away our best owners, trainers, jockeys, drivers, horses and -- most importantly -- our many hardworking people who contribute to Florida's economy far beyond what any stand-alone slot machine could ever do."
Joe Pennacchio is president and executive director of Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association (FSBOA).
