Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Additional Steps Could Be Taken to Aid Pari-Mutuel Wagering Industry and/or Cut Regulatory Costs

Report 03-56, October 2003

View Report

Report Summary

The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering is effectively carrying out its mission to regulate horse and dog races and cardroom and jai alai games. However, over the last decade, Florida's pari-mutuel wagering industry has declined steadily, with attendance and state revenue falling dramatically. The Legislature has amended pari-mutuel wagering laws several times in an effort to stimulate the industry. Nonetheless, the industry no longer generates sufficient revenue to support both the cost of regulation and the $29.9 million distribution to counties mandated by current law. To assist the industry and ensure that the state does not have negative fiscal impacts due to declining pari-mutuel revenues, the division and Legislature could consider additional steps to cut state regulatory costs, aid the industry, and/or revise the distribution of funds to counties.

Related Reports
  1. Lottery Profits Decline; Options Available to Enhance Transfers to Education
    Report 11-12 March 2011
  2. Lottery Jackpots, Retailer Density, and Advertising Drive Transfers to Education
    Report 10-17 January 2010
  3. Lottery Profits Flat; Increasing Retailer Outlets Is Critical to Increasing Sales
    Report 10-16 January 2010
  4. Lottery Profits Are Slowing with Economic Downturn; Advertising Services and Retailer Commission Rates Need to Be Addressed
    Report 09-14 March 2009
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
education, economic development, labor, gaming, gambling, pari-mutuel, pari-mutual, gaming, wagering, horse racing, dog track, jai alai, salix, gambling, horses, breeders, kennels, track, card room, greyhound, thoroughbred, horseracing, dog racing, jai alai games, thoroughbred, standardbred, betting, consumer protection, animals, horse breeders, purse, handle, simulcasting, permit holders, pari-mutuel facilities, video lottery, school districts, best financial management practice, performance reviews, schools, school districts, exceptional, special education, at-risk disabilities, gifted, accelerated, testing, education finance, programs for disabled, exceptional student education, children with disabilities, disabilities, children