The gaming industry of Florida is well on its way to witness significant changes prompted by Novembers Ballot at the beginning of next month. According to the language of Amendment 13, individuals within the borders of the state would no longer have the right to enjoy dog racing in its current form as it would be banned while wagering on the outcome of such events would be strictly prohibited.
The very first days of next month are crucial for the future development of many regions across the country, especially for the gaming industry in some of the states. In the state of Florida this would happen with not one but two amendments – Amendments 3 and 13, as they are commonly referred to.
In an attempt to make the racing industry a more ethical field and to put an end to racing involving greyhounds participation the Florida Constitution Revision Commission proposed Amendment 13 and members of the community who had registered for voting would have the chance make a change.
Dog Racing on the Radar
For many years now the state has been eyeing a ban on greyhound racing since many activists consider it being cruel to the animals. There are not many states that still provide these gaming offerings which is a good reason for the state to keep up with the times. An approval of the amendment would mean that all 12 dog tracks sprinkled across the state would have to put an end to dog races.
The end of the year 2020 is set as operation deadline, providing operators with the needed time to put an end to said races. Both members of the Republican and the Democrat parties voiced their support of the amendment. Among the arguments in support of a ban, ethical ones prevail. It is no secret that performance boost of racing dogs is often achieved by giving them cocaine and opiates, devastatingly impacting the animals’ health.
Even though there seem to be many backers of the proposed change, there are also opposers strongly expressing their discontent with it. For one, the Florida Greyhound Association which would be directly affected by the proposed measures. It should be noted that over the span of the past ten years the field has witnessed a 50-percent surge of revenue and increased interest towards the races.
Pros and Cons of the Ban
In the months leading to November’s Ballot, a lawsuit by the State Greyhound Asociation was filed striving to remove the Amendment from the questions expecting a vote. The Association claimed its wording is unclear and could potentially mislead voters. Florida Supreme Court ruled out the claims is insubstantial, leaving the amendment on the ballot. As many as 60 percent of the residents of the state would have to vote Yes in order for the major change to take place.
As it has been pointed out many times in the past, the amendment would have to be clearly explained so an informed choice could be made. Those of them in support of the measure will bring a constitutional prohibition of racing involving greyhounds or any other dog breed. Gambling on live dog races would also be strictly prohibited within the border of the state. Simulcast wagering on events taking place in other states would continue being legal under the amended regulation overseeing the field.
If a larger chunk of the community votes with a No this would essentially mean no change to the currently established sector. This would be great news for more than 3,000 resident currently employed by the total of 12 greyhound tracks across the state that would remain in operation. If dog racing is banned, they would be left with e limited number of offerings on site, such as poker rooms.
