(PRBuzz.com) July 18, 2013 -- The Florida Legislature recently released a gaming study that demonstrated the growing gap in gambling revenue between horse and dog racing and casino-style games.
The first part of the study brings attention to the fact that gaming establishments rely on slot machines and card rooms to generate revenue and to subsidize pari-mutuel betting.
Pari-mutuels in Florida include greyhound, quarter horse, harness and thoroughbred racing.
Spectrum Gaming Group out of New Jersey is conducting the study, which will cost $388,845. The study will not provide recommendations, rather it will objectively describe the social costs and economic effects of gaming.
The 320-page study found that there has been a steady decline in pari-mutuels, especially greyhound racing, over the last two decades. In the fiscal year 1989-1990, Florida's 13 greyhound facilities wagered a total of $933.8 million. This number dropped to $265.4 million in the 2011-12 fiscal year--a 67 percent decrease.
Attendance numbers for greyhound races aren't available because most tracks do not charge admission. However, the study noted that attendance has "declined precipitously since 1990." Similarly, paid attendance for thoroughbred racing decreased 85 percent between FY 1990 and FY 2012.
The Florida Legislature must now decide if the current laws that prop up the pari-mutuels are worth keeping. There are two main sides to this debate. One sees pari-mutuels as part of Florida's unique identity and advocates for saving them. The other is ready for the end of parimutuels, which argue that animal racing is inhumane and cruel.
State Senator Bill Montford explained that the study was done to find out exactly the state of gaming in Florida and to guide legislators so that they can make sound, rational decisions. Montford currently does not have an opinion about the issue, and stated that he wants to look over the study and hear from the public before deciding on a course of action.
Montford is part of the Senate Gaming Committee, which is expected to use the study to do a comprehensive overhaul of Florida's gambling legislation in 2014.
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