The News Service of Florida – Even as lawmakers wade into a major debate about the direction of gambling in Florida, regulators said Friday they will start rewriting rules that play a critical role in the operations of racetracks and jai-alai frontons.
“In their current form, the laws regulating the industry are unclear and do not define many standards necessary to ensure the continued integrity of pari-mutuel wagering,” the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation said in a news release. “The draft rules are designed to clarify terms and maintain traditional pari-mutuel standards.”
The announcement came as state lawmakers are expected in 2014 to debate high-stakes gambling issues, such as a possible expansion of slot machines and allowing “destination resort” casinos in South Florida. The Senate Gaming Committee on Friday announced it will hold four workshops across the state in October and November to take public input about the issues.
Meanwhile, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering will hold the first in a series of rule-development workshops Oct. 16 in Fort Lauderdale. The issues expected to be addressed include performance and jockey requirements; general rules for tracks, races and jai alai; and qualifications of horses, according to the news release.
Regulators have faced repeated scrutiny after signing off on a series of controversial gambling practices that have further fractured the pari-mutuel industry. Several of the decisions are being challenged in court.
