In a concept known as "decoupling," the bill would erase a requirement that Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs hold live races to be able to operate cardrooms and, in the case of Gulfstream, slot machines.

The proposed legislation, House Bill 105, passed with a 12-4 vote and would decouple slot machine casinos from live racing for Thoroughbred tracks. This move means racetracks could operate casinos without being required to host a minimum number of live races, which some predict will bring an end to racing at Gulfstream Park.

Protestors gathered at one of Gulfstream Park's biggest horse-racing events in Hallandale Beach Saturday, lining the streets outside the Pegasus World Cup.

FORT LAUDERDALE — With the wind blowing on a chilly and cloudy day in Hallandale Beach, preparations are underway for this year's Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. Elite horses have trained extensively for the mile-and-an-eighth dirt race this weekend — that's just two turns around the Gulfstream Park — working towards a $3 million payout.

The Florida legislative proposal to “decouple” live horse racing from the track operators’ ability to offer card games or slots drew praise but also fierce opposition from

A Florida House panel Wednesday supported eliminating a requirement that the state’s two remaining thoroughbred horse tracks hold races to be able to offer other types of gambling.