Florida Legislators Asked To Sign Anti-Gambling Pledge May Be Unaware Decoupling IS ALSO Gambling Expansion

Press Release by Florida Standardbred Horsemen Association A recent NoCasinos.org poll has shown that the vast majority of Floridians hold a negative view of increased gambling and any politician who directly facilitates it. NoCasinos.org also asked all legislative candidates to sign a pledge saying they would not support the expansion of gambling in Florida.   “However, many of these otherwise well-intentioned candidates may not realize that decoupling IS ALSO the expansion of gambling,” cautioned Florida Standardbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association President Joe Pennacchio. Decoupling—the misguided public policy of separating Florida’s requirement for live horse racing from casino activities is a direct expansion of gambling because it would immediately create a multiplicity of stand-alone casinos throughout Florida.  Worse, through the convolutions of Florida gambling law, a decoupled permitholder could ostensibly make one permit into three or more, thus exponentially increasing each casino’s geographic footprint. Florida's Standardbred horsemen urge Florida’s legislators to stop decoupling in its tracks—not only to prevent the expansion of gambling, but to save our businesses and agricultural contributions—both horse training and breeding throughout our substantial network of Florida farms, where many people earn their living and employ others.  Isle of Capri’s Pompano Park, which has led the crusade to decouple over the last several years, represents the last bastion of business for Florida’s Standardbred horsemen. “The will of the voters could not be clearer,’’ No Casinos' President John Sowinski explained.  “Regardless of political party, Floridians overwhelmingly want a say in whether gambling will be expanded in our state.  They understand the negative social and economic consequences.  This is why the gaming industry continually tries to circumvent public opinion, hiring lobbyists and lawyers to push their agenda of more and bigger casinos in the Legislature and courts.  Elected officials should take heed — it is not only good public policy, it is also smart politics to reject expanding gambling in Florida.” Details of the poll results include: — 69 percent of the surveyed voters said they would support a referendum requiring voter approval of all gambling expansion decisions.  Such a referendum, the Voter Control of Gambling Amendment, currently is before the Florida Supreme Court for placement on the 2018 ballot.  Only 21 percent said they would oppose it. — 83 percent stated that they believe Florida voters should decide gambling policy in Florida.  By comparison, 7 percent believe the Florida Legislature should decide, 3 percent think the Governor should choose, and 3 percent believe the courts should decide. — 72 percent indicated they would be less likely to support a political candidate who supports expanded gambling in Florida without a statewide vote.  By contrast, 18 percent said they are more likely to support such a candidate, and 6 percent said it makes no difference. — 75 percent disagreed that more gambling in their city would improve the quality of life for them or their families, while 18 percent said they believe more gambling improves their quality of life.