Gambling Scores Florida Victory

A judge has decided that many of Florida’s parimutuel gambling laws will expire in a week, giving a state agency time to come up with temporary rules for the industry while pursuing an appeal.

Circuit Judge F.E. Steinmeyer said a temporary court order that regulated horse and dog racing and jai alai matches under an old set of laws will be dissolved next Tuesday.

The decision Tuesday is a victory for parimutuel interests, which faced a possible shutdown had the judge sided with the state Department of Business Regulation. The state agency believes the games are illegal without its regulations.

The $10-million Breeders’ Cup thoroughbred races scheduled for Oct. 31 at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale were jeopardized by the uncertainty, but race officials say the decision cleared the way for the event.

The ruling gives the department time to write new rules to oversee and revoke permits, conduct background checks of potential owners and license personnel such as jockeys, grooms and racing officials.

“We’re going to put in place the emergency rules, and we’re going to appeal the order,” DBR spokeswoman Mary Booker said.

The Legislature failed during its June special session to prevent the laws that regulate parimutuel wagering from expiring July 1, but the games have continued under a court order applying the old laws.

The emergency rules would mirror many of the expired laws and would remain in effect for 90 days, Booker said. That would allow the situation to be addressed again by the newly elected Legislature.

The order itself will be appealed within a month, she added.